Bird and Richardson's COVID-19 Relief Bill Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – State Representative Adam Bird (R- New Richmond) announced that House Bill 170 was signed into law yesterday by Governor Mike DeWine. House Bill 170, sponsored by Bird and State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), supports Ohio’s public, private and vocational schools for pandemic-related expenses with nearly $800 million in federal funding for education.

“No student should have to compromise their education because of the struggles brought forth by the coronavirus pandemic. House Bill 170 works to ensure that Ohio schools have the necessary funds to create the best environment possible for our students,” said Bird. “I was proud to sponsor this legislation and I am pleased to see its signing into law.  I’m looking forward to the positive impact this legislation has on Ohio’s schools.”

The measure provides funding for some of the following:

• $632.4 million to Ohio’s public schools
• $154.9 million to Ohio’s private schools
• $173 million to the Ohio Department of Health for COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution efforts
• $7 million to the Adjutant General to support the Ohio National Guard response

The bill also contains provisions that allow the Auditor of State to review the allocated federal funds to identify common usages and best utilization of those dollars.

The bill received Governor DeWine’s signature today. The bill signing can be viewed here.