Rep. Hicks-Hudson announces more than $765 million to support health and wellbeing of Ohioans

Rep. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) announced today that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including the allocation of more than $74 million to support Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. $11.9 million will be spent on distributing vaccines, $24.1 million will be spent on contact tracing, and $38.3 million will be spent on testing. The Controlling Board additionally approved the release of more than $17 million for testing in Ohio’s prisons.

The Controlling Board also approved the release of more than $160 million from the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Program. The funds will reimburse schools throughout Ohio to cover expenses accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am always glad to see state funds return to Toledo to help our citizens live, grow and work in our community,” said Rep. Hicks-Hudson.

The Controlling Board approved a number of other measures on Monday, including:

• $66,000.00 to The Department of Public Safety, State Highway Patrol for renovations and improvements for the Toledo Safety Center;
• $80,000 for renovations to the Raymon H. Mulford Library at the University of Toledo;
• $419.1 million for Medicaid’s PASSPORT program to help elderly Ohioans stay in their homes and communities;
• $88.7 million to renew projects and support the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations;
• $3.9 million for the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to facilitate the adoption of more than 2,800 children;
• Nearly $2 million for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to purchase supplies from Ohio Certified Minority Business Enterprise vendors;
• $1.8 million in capital funds for the Department of Natural Resources to enhance small to medium wastewater projects.