Reps. Troy and Callender's Bill Designating November 19th as "James A. Garfield Day" Ceremonially Signed by Governor
COLUMBUS – State Reps. Daniel Troy (D-Willowick) and Jamie Callender (R-Concord) yesterday celebrated the ceremonial signing of House Bill (HB) 61 by Governor DeWine. The bill passed unanimously in both the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate.
“At the request of National Park Service officials at the James A. Garfield Home and National Historical Site in my district in Mentor, Ohio, I was asked to introduce this legislation,” said Rep. Troy. “James A. Garfield was a true son of Northeast Ohio who rose to the highest office in our nation. He had such promise, as someone who knew how to compromise and reach common ground on the important issues of his day. He was passionate in his efforts to end the spoils system and its blatant political patronage practices. Unfortunately, President Garfield became our 2nd President to expire from an assassin’s bullet. Sadly, that great promise was not realized. I think it’s fitting that we formally declare November 19th as James A. Garfield Day in Ohio.”
“It was great to be joined by members of the Garfield family and those who work to preserve his memory at the Garfield National Historic Site for the signing of HB 61,” said Rep. Callender. “It is long overdue that we give one of Ohio’s greatest sons the recognition he deserves and continue to honor the legacy of lifelong learning, dedicated public service, and professionalism President James A. Garfield embodied.”
HB 61 was officially signed into law by Governor DeWine on October 12th, 2023 to meet the 10-day deadline of signing a bill into law after both chambers have passed a bill. It goes into effect January 9th, 2024.
“Ohio is proud of its history as the Heart of Presidents. I am pleased to help honor President Garfield by signing this bill and by encouraging Ohioans of all ages to learn of President Garfield’s accomplishments and legacy,” said Governor Mike DeWine.
Native Ohioan James A. Garfield served in the Civil War, was a member of the U. S. House of Representatives, and was elected as our 20th President in 1880.