Seneca County state rep chosen to lead tax panel

2/18/2014
BLADE COLUMBUS BUREAU

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Jeff McClain (R., Upper Sandusky), whose district includes part of southwestern Seneca County, has been named chairman of the powerful Ohio House Ways and Means Committee.

The panel, which focuses primarily on taxation issues, was previously chaired by Rep. Peter Beck (R., Mason). He gave up the chairmanship after numerous additional felony corruption charges were filed against him in connection with a securities fraud case. He remains a state representative and is seeking re-election as he fights the charges.

Mr. McClain, in his third term in the House, previously served as vice chairman of the House Finance Committee that handles budgetary issues. He will remain a member of that committee.

Rep. Gary Scherer (R., Circleville) will serve as Mr. McClain’s Ways and Means vice chairman while Rep. Terry Boose (R., Norwalk) will replace Mr. McClain as vice chairman on Finance.

“Each of these members understands the complexity surrounding a variety issues from the state budget to severance taxes and beyond,” House Speaker Bill Batchelder (R., Medina) said.