Husted in East Palestine for regional first responder training center announcement, leads Team Tressel Fitness Challenge with elementary students in Youngstown, visits Ohio manufacturers at Vallourec Star

“Whether it’s training first responders, getting kids moving, or backing the workers who build American steel, these visits are about investing in Ohio’s people and Ohio’s communities.” YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today joined Youngstown State University (YSU) to announce a new regional first responder training center in East Palestine, led the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge with students at Harding Elementary School in Youngstown, and visited Vallourec Star in Youngstown to meet with Ohio manufacturers and job creators. At the East Palestine Fire Department, Husted joined Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and YSU President Bill Johnson to announce the YSU Resiliency, Adaptability, Preparedness, Innovation for Disaster (RAPID) project. The center will give career and volunteer first responders hands-on training for rail-related emergencies, hazardous materials incidents and other dangerous situations. It builds on Norfolk Southern’s $20 million commitment to YSU, announced November 2025, in the wake of the 2023 train derailment. “This center will give career and volunteer first responders the specialized training they need to be ready for dangerous and unpredictable situations. We pledged that East Palestine won’t be forgotten, and this is a great example of a public-private partnership working to make that happen. The next step is passing my Railway Safety Act so first responders can get the protective equipment they need to stay safe on the job,” said Husted. At Harding Elementary School, Husted joined Lt. Gov. Tressel to lead about 170 third through fifth grade students through cardio, strength, flexibility and balance exercises. Husted also talked with students about the importance of nutrition and sleep. “Getting kids moving, eating well and getting enough sleep sets them up to learn, grow and succeed. I’m grateful to Lt. Gov. Tressel for leading this effort, and to the students and teachers at Harding Elementary for bringing it to life,” said Husted. At Vallourec Star, Husted toured the Youngstown facility and spoke with workers about wins in Washington for manufacturers. The company makes seamless steel pipe used in energy infrastructure and has invested more than $1.5 billion in the United States over the past 15 years, creating more than 500 jobs. A new premium threading line is set to open at the Youngstown facility in November 2026. “Ohio workers make the steel pipe that keeps American energy production strong, and Vallourec is a great example of what happens when companies invest in Ohio. I’ll keep fighting for policies that help our manufacturers grow, create good jobs and compete with anyone in the world,” said Husted. These visits build on Husted’s work for Ohio communities, workers and manufacturers. In the Senate, Husted is supporting: Railway Safety Act of 2026 : This bipartisan bill, which Husted leads, would expand access to Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness grants so first responders can purchase protective equipment before a derailment occurs, not after. Promotion and Expansion of Private Employee Ownership Act of 2025 : This bill would encourage business owners to sell their companies to their employers. Husted also supported the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which includes: Permanent, immediate expensing for research and development costs, machinery and equipment, and new factories. A permanent 20% small business tax deduction. Workforce Pell Grants, which let students use Pell Grants for job training programs as short as 8 weeks.