The Ohio House GOP has announced that Representatives Kevin Ritter and Justin Pizzulli will co-chair the Appalachian Caucus. This initiative aims to advance policies on broadband expansion, workforce training, and infrastructure investment while engaging local communities. The public is invited to view the latest “Message from the House” episode for more details.
According to the Ohio House GOP’s announcement posted on X, Ritter and Pizzulli emphasize that the Appalachian Caucus was created to advocate for underserved Appalachian communities through policy development and strategic dialogue. The post notes that both lawmakers see the caucus as a vehicle to elevate regional concerns—such as infrastructure, economic development, and health outcomes—within the broader work of the Ohio legislature. The announcement also invites the public to view the “Message from the House” episode on YouTube to hear directly from the representatives about their goals and ongoing work.
According to the Ohio House of Representatives’ official newsroom, the Appalachian Caucus convened its first meeting of the 136th General Assembly earlier this year. Members identified broadband expansion, workforce training, and infrastructure investment as top priorities. The report notes that co-chairs Ritter and Pizzulli were unanimously selected due to their strong district ties to Appalachian communities. It also explains that the caucus intends to work with local leaders to ensure state policy reflects the unique social and economic needs of the region.
As reported by Hoodline, in June 2025, a bipartisan Appalachian Caucus was launched by the Ohio House aimed at accelerating economic revitalization in Appalachian counties. Representative Pizzulli said that collaboration across the political spectrum is essential for building effective policy, while Representative Ritter emphasized Appalachia’s importance to Ohio’s future. Hoodline reports that regular stakeholder sessions and community roundtables are planned by the caucus to ensure local perspectives inform their statewide legislative agenda.
According to information from the Ohio House GOP’s official “About” section, this caucus operates within a legislative framework prioritizing economic competitiveness, community development, and strengthening opportunities across all regions of Ohio. The organization explains that its caucus groups—such as the Appalachian Caucus—are designed for lawmakers to collaborate on targeted initiatives responding to constituent needs. Public engagement tools like their “Message from the House” series reflect a commitment to accessible, transparent communication with Ohioans.
