Virtual Meeting with Representative Max Miller's Legislative Correspondent

On Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, ACTION Ohio hosted an initial meeting with Representative Max Miller's Legislative Correspondent Janae Johnson. OHIO YAB Youth Ambassadors Raven Grice and Russ Lang shared their testimonies, paired with areas of interest to partner on in the future. 

Link to slides from the virtual presentation.

Janae shared that Representative Miller cares about the needs of foster youth during their journey into young adulthood. This was evidenced by his recent remarks that more must be done to connect foster youth with the tools they need to become successful young adults. 

She thanked our team for sharing firsthand insights, and offered to keep us posted about future Chafee hearings, and to host us for a visit in their DC office sometime this year. 

Additional federal representatives reached out after today's call to offer their support including:

• Karen Williams (legislative assistant and counsel in Congressman Miller's office), who mentioned that their office is working with the Work and Welfare Subcommittee, with oversight regarding federal Chafee programs to make these program opportunities as effective as possible, and to uplift those in foster care to their fullest potential. She mentioned that they look forward to working with us throughout this process, and thanked us for the recommendations offered.

• Brad Thomas (staff member of Chairman Jason Smith), who reached out regarding the Committee on Ways and Means and their Subcommittee on Work and Welfare, to connect us with Keval Sojitara, who is heading up their efforts regarding foster youth and to share our PPT and list of recommendations with Keval.

#JourneytoSuccess

Journey to Success is a multi-state policy campaign focused on engaging and educating federal policymakers about what’s working and not working to support successful outcomes for youth in foster care.

ACTION Ohio is honored to partner in this work, and appreciates this opportunity to elevate the voices of today's foster care youth and young adults. It's vitally important for decision-makers to hear directly from young people in and from foster care. 

The early months of 2026 are a vitally important window of time to connect with Members of Congress. 

• During 2025, key Congressional committees and caucuses held a series of hearings to examine the Chafee and ETV programs. This lays the groundwork for future legislative action to improve these programs. 
  
  
• Melania Trump's Fostering the Future Initiative is a catalyst to put reforms in motion. 

• Early 2026 is a vitally important opportunity to connect with Congressional Leaders, and to advise them on reforms that will directly benefit young people in and from foster care in their states.