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Members of the state legislature sworn into office
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The Legislature seated its members Monday during ceremonies at the Statehouse, with a new House Speaker, some new faces in that chamber and the Ohio Senate and hints from leaders of policy initiatives to come over the next two years.
Here are 10 things you should know about Monday’s inaugural session of Ohio House and Senate and other coming Statehouse activities:
In control: The 131st General Assembly begins in firm control of Statehouse Republicans, with a 23-10 majority in the Ohio Senate and a 65-34 majority in the Ohio House.
Ceremonies: Newly elected senators took their oaths individually Monday. Returning lawmakers took theirs in groups, according to district number and political party. In the House, new and returning lawmakers were sworn in in groups.
New House leadership: In the House, as expected, Rep. Cliff Rosenberger, R-Clarksville, was elected Speaker.
Returning Senate leaders: Senate President Keith Faber, R-Celina, remains in that post for the new General Assembly.
On the Democratic side, Sen. Joe Schiavoni of Boardman, D-33rd continues as minority leader.
Changes: A few lawmakers have moved from the Ohio House to the Ohio Senate, or vice versa. Former Reps. Jay Hottinger, R-Newark, and Sandra Williams, D-Cleveland, moved over to the Senate, while former Sen. Tim Schaffer, R-Lancaster, moved to the House.
Other new House members include Democrats Emilia Sykes (daughter of former Rep. Vernon Sykes) and Michele Lepore-Hagan (wife of former Rep. Bob Hagan) and Republican Sarah LaTourette (daughter of former Republican Congressman Steve LaTourette).
Schedule: Though they took their oaths Monday, the Ohio House and Senate won’t be back in full session for weeks.
More oaths: Gov. John Kasich and Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor will take their second-term oaths of office Sunday at midnight in the Ohio Senate Chambers.
2016 Watch: New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who is among the potential candidates for the 2016 presidential election, plans to attend Kasich’s midday inaugural speech.
What’s next for Kasich: The governor will present his biennial budget proposal to lawmakers in about a month, outlining his policy priorities for the next two fiscal years.
Other statewide office-holders: Four other statewide elected officials will take their oaths of office on Sunday and Monday at the Statehouse.
Attorney General Mike DeWine’s ceremony is set for Sunday at 2 p.m.
Secretary of State Jon Husted and Auditor Dave Yost will be sworn into second terms Monday at 10 a.m., while Treasurer Josh Mandel will take his oath Monday at 3 p.m.