COLUMBUS—House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today issued the following statement:

“I am pleased to announce that Representative Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green) will serve as the chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations subcommittee on Higher Education during the 129th General Assembly. I am confident in Rep. Gardner’s abilities to lead this committee through a diligent conversation and execution of legislative actions that will benefit those attending Ohio’s colleges and universities. His experience and depth of knowledge on education will give our students the necessary advantage in an ever-growing competitive global environment.”

Rep. Gardner made the following comment:

“I am honored to serve in this role at this challenging time. As chairman, it will be an opportunity to work toward new opportunities to make our colleges and universities an even stronger factor in Ohio’s economic future. I’ll do my best to work effectively with other budget-makers to deliver a responsible budget for Ohio.”

Representative Gardner, a legislator from Wood County since 1985, has previously served as chairman of the subcommittee and ranking member in the current House session. In the Senate, Gardner was the sponsor of the “two-year tuition freeze amendment” in the 127th General Assembly.

Gardner has been named Legislator of the Year by the Ohio Disabilities Council and is a multiple recipient of the Watchdog of the Treasury Award. He was also honored with the Accomplished Graduate Award from his alma mater, Bowling Green State University.

Rep. Batchelder expressed that all committee announcements would be completed before the end of the month.