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Ohio House Passes Additional COVID-19 Relief Funding

Over $850 million in federal funding directed to Ohio schools
April 15, 2021
Tracy M. Richardson News

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced the Ohio House has approved House Bill 170, legislation that provides $857 million in federal funding to Ohio’s public, private, and vocational schools for COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses.

“This significant funding has been awarded and allocated by the federal government,” said Richardson. “I’m grateful we passed this legislation today so that these dollars can get into the hands of Ohio’s classrooms and support our schools.”

The measure provides the following funding through Elementary and Secondary School Relief (ESSER I), ESSER II, and Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER I), and GEER II funds:

  • $683 million for public schools
  • $154.8 million for private schools
  • $19 million for Educational Service Centers, Joint Vocational Schools, and Ohio’s County Boards of Developmental Disabilities
  • $173 million for the Ohio Department of Health for COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution efforts
  • $8 million for the Adjutant General to support the Ohio National Guard response  

The Ohio House also approved additional COVID-19 funding relief in H.B. 167, H.B. 168, and H.B. 169, including:

  • 100 million to Ohio’s bars and restaurants
  • $25 million to Ohio’s lodging industry 
  • $150 million for a small business grant relief program
  • $10 million for grants to new businesses opened after January 1, 2020
  • $120 million for Ohio's fairs, veterans’ homes and child care services
    • $4.7 million for county and independent fairs
    • $3 million for veterans’ homes
    • $112.2 million for childcare providers  
  • $20 million for indoor entertainment venues for loss of revenue due to cancelled events or performances
  • $465 million in emergency rental assistance for Ohioans struggling to pay rent and utilities

“Our businesses, families, schools, and industries in Ohio are working hard to overcome the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic,” added Richardson. “This funding will help support those efforts and provide more stability during our economic recovery.”

The bills now head to the Senate for consideration.