New General Assembly Is Underway

Ohio’s 135th General Assembly commenced Tuesday, Jan. 3. Here are some key factors that will shape the new two-year session.

• Republicans hold super-majorities in both chambers with 67 of 99 House seats and 26 of 33 Senate seats. (The House has 27 new members; the Senate has seven new members.)
• In a surprise upset, Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) defeated Rep. Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township) in the race for House speaker. (See related story.)
• Sen. Matt Huffman (R-Lima) will lead the Senate again as its president.
• The top priority for lawmakers in the first half of 2023 will be to pass a new two-year state budget.

Here are the chairs and membership rosters for the Senate’s 19 standing committees. New chairs include Sen. Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee. The House is expected to announce its committee rosters soon. 1/4/2023