Rep. Russo applauds passage of bill to send $350 million in federal funds to local communities to fight coronavirus

COLUMBUS—Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today issued a statement as the Ohio House passed Senate Bill 310, which would distribute $350 million in federal CARES Act funds to aid coronavirus response in Ohio communities.

Funds will go toward reimbursement for personal protective equipment (PPE) for front line workers, testing and other costs as local communities continue to combat the global pandemic.

The bill also re-appropriates $1.28 billion in capital funds over the next two years to fund various capital improvement projects across the state.

“Our local governments are working non-stop to ensure the health and safety of our families and small businesses during this unprecedented health crisis,” said Rep. Russo.  “This legislation appropriates much needed funding to our communities and small business grant programs to fund pandemic-related expenses and relief.  We must ensure that our economy and overall public health come out of this pandemic as strong as or stronger than they were going into it.”

In addition, SB 310 authorizes state employee pay freezes amid budget shortfalls as well as $3.2 million more in state funding for nursing home facilities.

SB 310 now moves to the Senate, who will vote whether to concur on House changes to the bill.