Patton Announces Millions in Coronavirus Relief Funding

State Rep. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) announces the state Controlling Board today approved $425 million in aid to help Ohio families, businesses and more who have been impacted by COVID-19. The measure is funded by federal CARES Act aid.

“COVID-19 has resulted in businesses, their employees, hospitals and many other groups facing financial challenges,” said Patton. “Today, I’m pleased to announce substantial COVID-19 relief to aid in the expenses incurred throughout the state due to this pandemic.”

The package includes aid for small businesses, rent and mortgage assistance, higher education, rural hospitals, non-profit unemployment and the arts. It’s the latest in a series of steps state leaders have taken to help Ohio as it continues to confront COVID-19.

The measure announced today will be distributed to the following areas:

• $125 million for small business grants, which will allow small businesses to apply for up to $10,000 in relief. Businesses can apply beginning Nov. 2 at www.businesshelp.ohio.gov;

• $55 million for rent, mortgage and utility assistance to be administered by the DSA through various Community Action Agencies;

• $100 million for higher education to assist with added expenses due to COVID-19;

• $62 million for rural/critical access hospitals;

• $25 million for non-profit unemployment; and

• $20 million to support the performing and cultural arts.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ohio House has passed more than a dozen bills related to coronavirus, including measures to support small businesses, schools, health care workers, first responders and more. Patton supported several pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID-19 relief, including House Bill 614 that passed out of the General Assembly last month.

With today’s announcement, the state has committed $3 billion in federal CARES funding to support schools, colleges, local governments and more with COVID-related expenses.