Rep. Troy urges Gov. DeWine to address the school bus driver shortage in Painesville

COLUMBUS— In a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine, Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) has requested the deployment of the Ohio National Guard to assist the Painesville City School District and other local school districts with transportation needs.

"Based on a call I received from Painesville City Local Schools Superintendent Josh Englehart requesting assistance, it has come to my attention that in addition to a nationwide bus driver shortage, many other drivers are absent due to COVID-19 protocols. If swift action is not taken to ensure an adequate supply of drivers, I fear that in-person learning may be untenable, as children will lack safe and reliable transportation to and from school," Rep. Troy said.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio National Guard has played a critical role in maintaining public safety by putting shots in arms and delivering food to those in need. Considering the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases and continuing nationwide school bus driver shortage, Rep. Troy believes deploying the Ohio National Guard is essential for keeping children in schools.