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

“I am pleased to announce that our caucus has asked Representative Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) to serve as the House Finance and Appropriations Committee Chairman and current Senator John Carey (R-Wellston) to join him as Vice-Chairman in the 129th General Assembly. While Ohio is faced with such a steep opportunity to correct our financial woes, it is reassuring to know that two talented individuals will lead an earnest process and thorough fiscal examination of Ohio’s budget.”

Rep. Amstutz made the following comment:

“Serving in this role at a time when we must put our state’s fiscal house in order with be a great honor. Although this is an unusually daunting challenge, we have a very talented budget team. I’m confident that we will work effectively with budget-making participants to deliver a responsible budget for Ohio.”

State Representative Ron Amstutz returned to the Ohio House of Representatives in January 2009, building on 28 years of service in both the Ohio Senate and the Ohio House. He represents the 3rd House District, which includes all of Wayne County. He served as the lead Republican member on the House Finance Committee in the current two-year session.

Sen. Carey made the following comment:

“I am honored to join Rep. Amstutz in what I know will be serious effort to revive Ohio. Rep. Amstutz has been a mentor of mine since I entered the legislature. He is a man of great integrity and ability. Together, we will seek input from all stakeholders, review and thoroughly revitalize our state's fiscal situation. The opportunity afforded to us will not be squandered.”

State Senator John Carey is a lifelong resident of Wellston and will represent the 87th House District, which includes Gallia, Jackson and Vinton counties and portions of Lawrence and Ross counties. Currently, he serves as the Senate Finance Committee Chairman, and has served in the Senate since 2003, previously, four terms as the State Representative for the 94th House District.