COLUMBUS, Ohio – Members of the Republican-dominated Ohio General Assembly gathered Monday to elect their leaders and begin a new legislative session at the Statehouse.
Republicans deepened their majority in the House this past fall, winning a record 65 seats in the 99-member chamber. The GOP continues to hold 23 of 33 seats in the Senate.
Members of the Senate unanimously reelected Sen. Keith Faber (R–Celina) to serve as president, a post he has held since January 2013.
Faber’s term will expire at the end of 2016 due to term limits.
The new leader of the House of Representatives says he’s putting together a six-year plan to tackle education issues, workforce development and other policy matters.
Cliff Rosenberger (R-Clarksville) was sworn in Monday as speaker, replacing longtime Rep. William Batchelder, who retired last month due to term limits.
Monday marked the first time Rosenberger presided over the House as the new General Assembly convened for its session. He told reporters the goal of his so-called Ohio 2020 plan was to get representatives to think beyond the two-year session.