COLUMBUS — Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), along with State Representatives Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) and Adam Miller (D-Columbus), have urged Governor Mike DeWine to work with state agencies and Springfield city officials to publicly account for the financial toll resulting from what they call false statements made by Senator JD Vance and former President Donald Trump.

In a letter to the governor, the lawmakers expressed concern over the use of state and local resources to address tensions and disruptions caused by what they describe as “fabrications.”

The alleged false claims, first raised by Vance and later echoed by Trump during the September 10th presidential debate, triggered numerous threats to Springfield, including bomb threats, and forced the temporary closure of schools, health facilities, businesses, and government buildings.

“The spread of these fabrications led to state and local taxpayer resources being mobilized to address the tensions and challenges that followed,” Russo wrote, pointing to the deployment of emergency services and security measures that diverted funds from regular duties.

The lawmakers are calling for Trump and Vance’s campaigns to reimburse the state, Springfield, and local businesses for the costs incurred in addressing the fallout from the false claims. “We should be accountable to Ohio taxpayers,” said Rep. Miller.

Rep. Blackshear praised the leadership of Governor DeWine and local officials for their efforts to debunk myths and protect the community.

He emphasized that Ohioans are focused on building a prosperous future, rather than engaging in fear mongering.