Ohio Lawmakers Ask Gov. DeWine for Full Public Accounting of Economic Damage Caused by Trump, Vance Fabrications about Springfield

COLUMBUS — Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), State Representatives Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus) today sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine requesting his office work with state agencies and City of Springfield government and business leaders to publicly account for the economic harm and increased costs shouldered by taxpayers in response to the fabrications instigated by Sen. JD Vance and former President Donald Trump. 

“The spread of these fabrications led to state and local taxpayer resources being mobilized to address the tensions and the challenges that followed. Public safety personnel and city officials had to intervene to mitigate the situation, including but not limited to the deployment of additional emergency services and heightened security measures, which diverted attention and funds away from their usual responsibilities. It is concerning that Ohioans will have to bear the financial and social costs of addressing the disruptions caused by these baseless claims,” wrote Leader Russo in the letter to the governor. 

Following the careless and unsubstantiated remarks first made by Vance and then echoed by Trump on the national stage at the September 10th presidential debate, Springfield and its people have been the victims of dozens of physical threats and bomb threats. These lies forced the closures of schools, colleges, health care facilities, government buildings, businesses and community centers. To help ensure the safety of the public from these threats, countless state, local, and private resources have been required to mitigate the impact of the false comments about Springfield.

“We should be accountable to Ohio taxpayers and ask the Trump and Vance campaign to reimburse the state, Springfield, and local businesses for the economic costs resulting from dangerous and divisive fabrications that have cost Ohioans financially. This would take us one step closer to holding elected officials responsible,” said Rep. Adam Miller in response to the letter. 

“I applaud the leadership displayed by Governor DeWine as well as Springfield’s and Clark County’s elected officials during this difficult time. Instead of fear mongering with conspiracy theories and chasing political headlines, they have debunked myths and led efforts to help protect and rebuild our community,” added Rep. Blackshear. “The majority of Ohioans are concerned about building a future of economic growth and prosperity, where all legal residents and citizens can work hard and get ahead.”