Portage County Legal News

Bill aims to recognize country music trio

TIFFANY L. PARKS
Special to the Legal News
Published: July 29, 2014

Rascal Flatts Day could be on the horizon for Ohio.

Senate Bill 233, which would honor the country music trio on June 6, has been unanimously passed by the Senate.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Jim Hughes, R-Columbus, originally sought to designate Rascal Flatts as the official country music group of Ohio.

The measure was then amended to designate Feb. 21 as Rascal Flatts Day and was later adjusted to recognize the group on June 6, in commemoration of the day their self-titled debut album was released in 2000.

The group, which was formed in Columbus, includes lead vocalist Gary LeVox, bass guitarist and keyboardist Jay DeMarcus and electric guitarist Joe Don Rooney.

“Gary was born in Columbus and worked at the Ohio Department of Mental and Developmental Disabilities in downtown Columbus. He graduated from Olentangy High School and is an alumnus of The Ohio State University,” Hughes said.

“Jay was born in Columbus. He graduated from the Tree of Life Christian School in Columbus. I would like to honor these three gentlemen.”

Before the proposal was reported out of the Senate State Government Oversight and Reform Committee, Hughes testified that the group members had expressed gratitude for being the focus of SB 233.

“They have always been a group that has remained loyal to their roots and have showed their allegiance to state of Ohio in many ways,” he said. “Committed to giving back, they are known for their charitable work and have even performed for charities in Ohio. As fellow Buckeyes, I believe they are God fearing, hardworking, honest men whom positively represent our state and all Ohioans.”

Hughes pointed to the group being the recipients of numerous awards including ones from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association. He also noted that $30 million in ticket sales in the state of Ohio coupled with spending on lodging, food and beverages and local shopping has helped benefit the state’s economy.

“The Buckeye State is very proud to have two of its own among the ranks of one of the nation’s top country bands,” he said. “They have been terrific role models and performed for numerous charities in our state, and they deserve to be recognized for their contributions to Ohio.”

SB 233 will move to the Ohio House for further consideration.

[Back]