Rep. Robinson issues statement following FBI arrest of Speaker Householder

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Phil Robinson (D-Solon) issued a statement today following the federal charge of Speaker of the House Larry Householder (R-Glenford) in a $60 million bribery, racketeering case.

“July 21 will go down as a profoundly sad day in Ohio history. I am disappointed, shocked, and disturbed to learn of the federal charges against multiple individuals, including Speaker of the House Larry Householder, in a $60 million racketeering and bribery case. Our state government should work for everyone, not just the powerful and connected.

After reviewing the charges outlined in the federal complaint and engaging in thoughtful discussion with my constituents and my colleagues in the Statehouse, I believe the House of Representatives cannot operate effectively under current leadership.

I join House Minority Leader Emilia Sykes and Governor Mike DeWine in calling for Speaker Householder to resign, just as his predecessor, Cliff Rosenberger, did when facing his own FBI investigation a little more than two years ago.

Speaker Householder will and should have his day in court. However, we must stay focused on the important work that needs to get done. We must put Ohio families and communities ahead of party politics.

We have so much to do: addressing the ongoing pandemic including the recent spike in cases; properly funding public education and safely reopening our schools; repealing House Bill (HB) 6 and recommitting to meaningful clean energy policies; and protecting the safety and fairness of our elections. Ohioans are counting on us.

I once again call on my Republican colleagues to join us in the Ohio House and get back to work for the people we serve.

Corruption in government naturally makes people wonder if they can trust elected leaders or the processes that put them in power. Cynicism can be tempting because it feels like clarity, like a rational response to disappointment. But it is not, and we must not give in to it.

Today and always, we will fight for the government we know we are capable of forming, and the state our children deserve. It is clear that the trust Ohioans bestowed in state leadership has been betrayed. We mourn that betrayal and begin the hard work of restoring trust.

We can, we must, and we will do better,” said Rep. Robinson.

Rep. Robinson voted no on HB 6 both times it was before the House. He is also supporting and will be a cosponsor of legislation from Rep.Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) and Rep. Michael O’Brien (D-Warren) to repeal HB 6.