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Rep. Russo announces $132 million in funds to fight COVID-19 in Ohio

Funding comes as retail, restaurants and personal services to reopen beginning this week
May 11, 2020
C. Allison Russo News

COLUMBUS—State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today announced the state Controlling Board approved more than $132 million in funding to bolster unemployment benefits, provide assistance for small businesses and manufacturers, and support state and local COVID-19 response efforts amid the worst global pandemic in more than a century.

The action comes as Ohio enters the next phase of the governor’s “restart,” which will see retail, personal services and outdoor dining begin to reopen this week. 

“As Ohioans return to the workplace, our local governments and partners are on the frontlines of protecting the safety and health of our communities during this unprecedented health emergency,” said Rep. Russo. “It is important that we provide them with the funds that they need so that our economy has the best shot at a strong reopening.  This is a good start.”

The Controlling Board approved more than $112 million in federal funds Monday, including:

  • $52.5 million to support Ohio’s unemployment insurance program;
  • $20.9 million to the Ohio Department of Health to aid the state’s COVID-19 response, combat substance abuse and overdoses, and support other federally funded programs;
  • $15.9 million for state and local law enforcement’s coronavirus response, including the purchase of PPE and medical assistance to inmates in state and local facilities;
  • Nearly $13 million to expand the state’s contact tracing program to detect, isolate and contain the spread of COVID-19;
  • $3.8 million in federal CARES Act funding to assist Ohio manufacturers amid the global pandemic;
  • $6.7 million for small business assistance;
  • $116,227 to help local businesses seeking federal, state and local government contracts.

Additionally, the Controlling Board approved $20 million in state funds to support the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Service’s coronavirus response, including funding for pharmaceutical and medical supplies, PPE and other costs associated to the response.

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