Congressman Robert Latta (R- Bowling Green) is currently serving his second term in the United States House of Representatives after being re-elected in 2008. Congressman Latta currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, in addition to serving as an Assistant Whip. Congressman Latta previously served as a member of the Committee on Agriculture, Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Prior to his election to Congress, Latta was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives (2001-2007), Ohio Senate (1997-2001), and Wood County Commissioner (1991-1996).
Since joining Congress, Latta has received the Ohio Farm Bureau “Friend of Farm Bureau” award, the United States Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” award, and the American Conservative Union “ACU Conservative” award.
During his tenure as a member of the Ohio General Assembly, Latta was committed to eliminating the death tax to help Ohio’s citizens, small business owners, and farmers which he achieved in 2000 when 78% of Ohio death tax filers were successfully removed. Congressman Latta also worked to make Ohio streets safer when he sponsored the DNA Bill that requires all felons and certain misdemeanants to give DNA samples which are then placed in the state and national databases. Latta also sponsored the juvenile crime legislation which in part holds juveniles more responsible for their actions.
A longtime sportsman committed to wildlife and the outdoors, Latta also sponsored the Bald Eagle license plate during his tenure in the Ohio General Assembly. The proceeds from these plates are used to purchase eagle habitats and for eagle preservation throughout Ohio. Latta recently sponsored the poaching legislation in Ohio which substantially increases the penalties for the illegal taking of game in the state. Congressman Latta also serves as a wildlife education instructor for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife, and travels throughout the state assisting in hunter education classes.
Congressman Latta has earned recognition from the United Conservatives of Ohio, naming him “Watchdog of the Treasury” in 1998, 2000, and 2005. He was also nominated in 2000 for the “Legislator of the Year” award by the League of Ohio Sportsmen, which is affiliated with the Ohio Wildlife Federation and promotes environmental and sportsmen issues. In 2002, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, formerly the Ohio Wildlife Federation, awarded Latta with the Patriot Award, which is given for “dedication and leadership in defending our outdoor heritage.” Latta has also earned recognition from the Ohio National Guard receiving the Major General Charles Dick Award for Legislative Excellence in 1999, and the “President’s Award” in 2006.
Congressman Latta is also active in his community, where he is a member of the Bowling Green Noon Kiwanis, having served as President, Director, and Trustee. Latta is also a member of the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce and the Wood County Farm Bureau.
A lifelong resident of northwest Ohio, Congressman Latta graduated from Bowling Green Senior High School in 1974. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowling Green State University in 1978, and earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1981.
Congressman Latta and his wife Marcia reside in Bowling Green with their two teenage daughters, Elizabeth and Maria.
Download Congressman Robert Latta's photo. (1.8MB, JPEG format)
