Ray Miller (Ohio legislator) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ray Miller
Member of the Ohio Senate from the 15th district
In office January 6, 2003 – December 31, 2010
Preceded by	Ben Espy
Succeeded by	Charleta Tavares
Member of the Ohio House of Representatives from the 22nd district
In office January 5, 1999 – December 31, 2002
Preceded by	Charleta Tavares
Succeeded by	Larry Price
In office January 3, 1983 – July 1, 1993
Preceded by	Leslie Brown
Succeeded by	Charleta Tavares
Personal details
Political party	Democratic

Ray Miller is a politician from the Democratic Party. He used to be a member of the Ohio General Assembly, which is like the state's parliament.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Ray Miller went to the Ohio State University. After college, he worked for the government during the time of the Carter Administration.

Serving in the Ohio House

In 1982, Ray Miller was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives. This is one part of the Ohio General Assembly. He took the place of Leslie Brown.

He was elected again in 1984 and 1986. In 1988, he won his fourth term. During this time, he became the President of the Legislative Black Caucus. He was reelected two more times, in 1990 and 1992.

Taking a Break and Returning

In 1993, Ray Miller left the House of Representatives. He wanted to start a special group called a "policy nonprofit organization." This kind of group works to suggest new ideas for laws. Charleta Tavares took his place in the House.

But Ray Miller's break from politics did not last long. In 1998, he ran for the same seat again and won. He took over from Charleta Tavares, who had moved to the Columbus City Council. He was elected again in 2000.

Ohio Senate Service

In 2002, Ben Espy could not run for the Ohio Senate again because of "term limits." This means there is a rule about how many times someone can be elected to a certain job. Ray Miller decided to run for Espy's seat in the 15th District. He won the election.

Leading in the Senate

Ray Miller started his term in the Ohio Senate on January 3, 2003. He was reelected in 2006. In 2008, he became the leader of the minority party in the Senate. This position is called the minority leader. He took over from Teresa Fedor.

After the 2008 elections, Miller stepped down from his leadership role. He began to get ready for a new job outside of government. On January 10, 2011, he started a news journal called The Columbus African American. He is still the publisher and chairman of this journal today.

End of Senate Term

Ray Miller could not run for the Senate again in 2010 because of term limits. Charleta Tavares again took his place. He also finished a six-year job on the board of trustees for Central State University.