Rep. Lawson-Rowe Commemorates the Signing of "Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day" into Law
COLUMBUS— State Rep. Meredith Lawson-Rowe (D-Reynoldsburg) Monday celebrated the signing of Senate Bill 14 by Governor Mike DeWine, which officially designates September 28th as Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day in Ohio. Rep. Lawson-Rowe was a proud co-sponsor of the bipartisan legislation and joined the governor and fellow legislators for the bill-signing ceremony at the Statehouse.
"An incredible honor to witness Speaker Jo Ann Davidson Day be signed into law by the governor," said Rep. Lawson-Rowe. “I will never forget the time Speaker Davidson met with me and a couple of colleagues in 2020 when we began serving Reynoldsburg City Council. She's a trailblazer and the blueprint of women in politics in Reynoldsburg.”
Jo Ann Davidson made history in 1995 as the first woman elected Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, serving with distinction for more than two decades. Her remarkable leadership included roles as assistant minority whip, minority leader, and House Rules and Reference Committee chair. Before her legislative service, she served on the Reynoldsburg City Council and as a Truro Township Trustee, helping lay the foundation for future generations of local leaders.
Davidson's legacy includes co-chairing the Republican National Committee, launching a public policy consulting firm, and receiving countless honors, including induction into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. She passed away in October 2024 at the age of 97.
"Speaker Davidson's impact reaches far beyond the walls of the Statehouse," added Rep. Lawson-Rowe. "She opened doors for women, public servants, and anyone who believes in the power of hard work and principled leadership. Her story is woven into the fabric of Reynoldsburg—and now into the law of the State of Ohio."
Senate Bill 14 passed with overwhelming bipartisan support and takes effect later this year.
EDITOR’S NOTE: A picture of Rep. Lawson-Rowe at Monday's event is attached to this release. Courtesy: Ohio House Democrats