For Immediate Release: July 19, 2013

Speaker Batchelder Issues Statement Regarding Peter Beck

COLUMBUSSpeaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today released the following statement regarding the allegations facing Representative Peter Beck: Representative Peter Beck has served the Ohio House of Representatives and the people of the 54th District honorably and has done great work as chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. However, given the serious nature of the charges facing Representative Beck, it is my belief that it is in the best interest of the Ohio House, the people of his district, and his family for him to resign from the Ohio House at this time. It is of the utmost importance that members of this sacred institution protect the publics trust and be a voice for their district. While there is always a presumption of innocence until proven otherwise, it is my belief that these very serious allegations could cause a distraction to the good work of the Ohio House of Representatives. Therefore, I believe this action would be in the best interest of not only the residents of the 54th House District and the members of the Ohio House of Representatives, but also Representative Beck and his family. There are several important initiatives currently being considered by the Ways and Means Committee that will continue uninterrupted. These are proposals that will have a longstanding impact on the state of Ohio, and Ohioans can rest assured that we will continue the diligent work on these issues. -30For more information, please contact Mike Dittoe at (614) 466-0863 or Michael.Dittoe@ohiohouse.gov