Rep. Lightbody statement as House votes to remove Larry Householder as speaker

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) issued a statement today as the Ohio House voted unanimously to strip Larry Householder (R-Glenford) of his role as Speaker of the House. Householder and four associates were indicted by a federal grand jury today amid an ongoing FBI criminal investigation into his connection to an alleged $60 million public corruption and bribery scheme—the largest in state history.

“Our communities are in the midst of an unprecedented public health crisis and facing economic insecurity. They deserve state leaders who will absolutely and always put Ohioans first,” said Rep. Lightbody. “Corruption has no place in our government and those involved must be held accountable. I urge our Republican colleagues to select a new Speaker, and call us back into session to resume the work that we have been elected to do. We have legislation waiting to be considered related to the COVID-19 economic crisis, racism as a public health crisis, and educating our K-12 students."