AFP - Taxpayer Torch Awards

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We just concluded the return of our Taxpayer Torch Award. Brian may remember, he was the MC for our inaugural Taxpayer Torch Award in 2017 when we awarded it to then Secretary of State Jon Husted. 

This year we awarded it to Speaker Matt Huffman for his tenure as Senate President during the 135th General Assembly. 

Below are some notes I gave while introducing Speaker Huffman. 

Within our Buckeye Blueprint campaign — launched in 2022 — we set out to build a bolder, better Buckeye State for all Ohioans.

We do that through engaged communities, empowering coalitions, and emboldening policy champions who are advancing transformational reforms across our state.

The Taxpayer Torch Award is about exactly that — recognizing bold, conservative leaders who stand firm for reform and deliver real results.

This award, after taking a hiatus for several years, has been revived — and I want to give major kudos to Tim Ross for helping bring it back.

It’s fitting that as we honor emboldened leaders, we also honor the clarity of purpose that drives them: advancing transformational policy for the people of Ohio.

Past recipients have embodied that spirit:

• Jon Husted, for streamlining the Secretary of State’s office and protecting taxpayers.
• Dave Yost, as State Auditor, for curbing the cost of government and championing lean, accountable operations.
• And Senator Rob McColley, for leading the charge on regulatory reform.

Each of these leaders demonstrated courage, conviction, and a deep commitment to better governance — and tonight’s honoree carries that same torch forward.

A few years ago, we made it a goal to raise the caliber of legislators in Ohio — believing that strong, principled legislators would elevate strong principled leaders. From the Senate President’s office to the Speaker’s gavel, that vision is becoming reality.

Our recipient this evening has shown steadfast leadership — guiding the Ohio Senate and now the Ohio House through some of the most consequential reforms of the past decade.

Under his leadership, Ohio has:

• Expanded education opportunity for ALL Ohioans
• Moved to a single, flat tax bracket,
• Protected energy producers and ratepayers from costly mandates,
• Unleashed energy abundance
• Advanced REINS-style regulatory reform in the state budget
• Passed, and continues to advance, common-sense property tax relief, and
• Held the line on government spending.

Through it all, he has led with principle, courage, and a clear vision for a freer and more prosperous Ohio.

It is my honor to present the 2025 Taxpayer Torch Award to a true champion of reform — former Senate President, and now Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives — Matt Huffman.