Rep. Hicks-Hudson announces more than $78 million to support health, safety and security of Ohioans

COLUMBUS –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 $7 million in CARES Act funds. The assistance from the federal government will enhance the Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections’ COVID-19 testing and contact tracing, and pay DRC employees with a hazardous duty supplement. Additionally, the CARES Act funding will provide needed support for Ohio’s National Guard and State Defense Force members who are supporting the state’s COVID-19 response. The item also included $25.5 million for the Department of Education to provide grants for schools and $500,000 for the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

The Controlling Board also approved several measures to support the economic wellbeing of Ohioans by allocating $2 million for the Minority Business Development Division’s Ohio Capital Access Program and $800,000 in Small Business Administration Grants from the federal government to assist businesses recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“These funds will provide the additional relief that many state departments need in order to do their jobs and protect Ohioans,” said Rep. Hicks-Hudson. 

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

·         $20 million for Local Child Support Enforcement Agencies administering the Child Support Program,

·         $7.3 million for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide medical services and treatment for incarcerated individuals,

·         $6 million for the Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services to confront opioid and substance abuse, 

·         $5.9 million to provide services for care at psychiatric hospitals,

·         $2 million to provide preschool education for children with disabilities,

·         $1.4 million for the Department of Natural Resources to purchase equipment for land management operations and the protection of public health and safety.