"As a small business owner, Steven Hill knows that better wages for all our workers lift up our economy and put money back into local businesses like Sparano's," said Brown."I'm honored to have him as my guest this week to remind President Trump that we will hold him to his promise to put American workers first and that must include raising the minimum wage."

Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, announced that he's bringing Nicky "Sonny" Nardi, president of Teamsters Local 416. In a statement, Portman called Nardi "a good friend and a terrific ambassador for Ohio workers." The Teamsters endorsed Portman last year in his bid for re-election.

Rep. Steve Stivers will be accompanied by Jeremiah Upp, the Fairfield County engineer. Stivers's office said he and Upp worked together on the Route 33 Carroll Interchange project, which has reduced traffic accidents and eased the commute to Columbus. The project is but one example of why infrastructure projects and funding are important this year, the Upper Arlington Republican's staff said. Upp wants to do a similar project at Pickerington Road on Route 33.

And Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Jefferson Township, has invited Kevin Rhodes, a constituent who is 43 and who has benefited from the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans are attempting to repeal. For years, Rhodes, who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 20, was unable to get health insurance because of his pre-existing condition. Rhodes has employer-based coverage now, but the health-care law protects him from being uninsured.
This article was originally published by The Columbus Dispatch on February 28, 2017.