OLBC members vote to remove Larry Householder as speaker

COLUMBUS— Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) President State Rep. Stephanie Howse (D-Cleveland) today issued a statement 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.

Larry Householder is the second Republican Speaker of the House to have been investigated by the FBI for criminal corruption in the past three years. Former Republican Speaker Cliff Rosenberger resigned from the Ohio House in April 2018. Householder refused to resign his position as Speaker and was ultimately voted out.

“There is something very wrong with our legislative system when a lawmaker is removed as the Speaker of the House due to his connection to an alleged $60 million corruption scheme,but still keeps his seat as member of this legislative body. Over 18 months ago, the Republican Party forced out the former Speaker Rosenberger not only as Speaker but as a state representative for an ongoing FBI investigation. What is the difference now in 2020? Could it be that one is a white man and the other a Korean American? This is a demonstration of how systematic racism shows up in our institutions.

“For years, the Republican party has been leading Ohio in a culture of corruption, and that is unacceptable. The people of Ohio are more valuable than any political party or person, and I will continue to do everything in my power to call out and remove leaders who do not serve Ohioans with integrity.

Today during House session, House Republicans voted to make Rep. Bob Cupp (R-Lima) the next Speaker of the House. Every member of the Democratic Caucus voted against him. In these troubling times, Ohioans need a leader that is willing to put the well-being of our great state over their personal gains. We are hopeful that the new Speaker of the House will faithfully execute the will of the people of Ohio.”

The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus (OLBC) is committed to addressing systematic racism and establishing equity and opportunity through health, housing, education, employment, criminal justice and economic and business development policy.

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