Schmidt Issues Statement on Passing of Former Speaker Jo Ann Davidson

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) today issued the following statement on the recent passing of former Speaker Jo Ann Davidson:

"Jo Ann Davidson was a friend and a mentor that took me under her wing before I entered the State Legislature. I will never forget her kindness, her ability to govern with fairness, and her leadership. She was smart and understood the issues important to Ohioans, especially women’s health issues such as breast cancer screenings. Not only did she break the glass ceiling in Ohio for women, but she was a stateswoman, a trailblazer, and, most of all, a role model for all. 

Because of Jo Ann Davidson’s influence we have more women legislators. She started the Jo Ann Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute to bring women into government at local, state, and federal levels. She mentored many women, and her legacy will be felt for a long time.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family. We have lost a great friend of Ohio, and she will be missed dearly.”