Senate President Rob McColley Presides Over Historic Opening of 136th Ohio General Assembly
COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate gaveled in a new year and a new two-year General Assembly with several members taking the oath of office.
Senator Rob McColley, (R-Napoleon) was officially elected as the new President of the Ohio Senate.
It was a remarkable day for Ohio history as outgoing Senate President Matt Huffman became the first person to preside over two legislative chambers on the same day.
He welcomed the members and guests to the Senate Chamber, and then walked across the Statehouse Rotunda to officially be elected Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Senate President McColley presented Speaker Huffman an Ohio Flag that flew over the Statehouse during Huffman's time serving as Senate President for the 134th and 135th General Assemblies.
President McColley is very proud of his hometown of Napoleon, Ohio and started the day by opening a special gavel engraved with the names of his children, because the demands on a Senate President's time often keeps him at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus and away from home.
The gavel was made by students at the Vantage Career Center in Van Wert back home in the 1st Senate District.
"This commemorates a great start to the new year and the new General Assembly," said President McColley. "I'm grateful to the bright students at the Vantage Career Center for their thoughtful craftsmanship."
The 1st Senate District is home to nationally known brand names and those were on display today at the statehouse.
"I am so thankful for the great people and successful companies that have built a legacy of achievement," said President McColley. "From Spangler Candy's "Dum Dum" Lollipops to the strong hands that make Wilson footballs, we need to remember that small businesses in Ohio set the standard for the hard work that helps make our neighborhoods great places to call home."
Senator McColley and his wife Denise are proud parents to twin sons Matthew and Michael, and a daughter Anna.
Click here to see the day in photos for the 136th General Assembly.