Rep. Sobecki Announces More Federal Funds for COVID-19 and
Economic Relief
Says economic relief is long
overdue
State Rep. Lisa Sobecki
(D-Toledo) and House Democrats Monday announced the approval
of funds in the amount of $547 million by the state
Controlling Board to further aid Ohio's response to the
health and economic hardships caused by the COVID-19
pandemic.
The Controlling Board Monday
approved federal CARES Act funding for several items aimed
at providing financial relief to Ohio's citizens, small
businesses, and non-profits that have been impacted by the
pandemic:
$125 million to
create the Small Business Relief Grant Program;
$55.2 million for rent,
mortgage and utility assistance;
$38.7 million to create the
Ohio Bar and Restaurant Assistance Program;
$20 million to create the
Ohio Arts and Cultural Organizations Grant Program;
$25 million to the Ohio
Dept. of Job and Family Services to support non-profit
organizations
"Although it is good to hear
that the Controlling Board released the remaining CARES Act
funds, it is disappointing that it took this long," said
Rep. Sobecki. "The CARES Act was passed months ago and
people all across Ohio are in need of dire assistance. My
concern now is that this money is not going to be enough
because the situation has gotten worse."
While this economic relief
funding is critical for many Ohioans, House Democrats took
issue with how long these funds were withheld. Since the
start of the pandemic, Democrats have been calling for the
legislature to return to session to pass several
Democratic-sponsored bills that provide rental, mortgage and
utility relief for residents, aid and assistance to small
businesses, front-line workers, unemployed Ohioans,
caregivers, schools and so many others who have been
struggling.
The Controlling Board on
Monday also voted to approve the following COVID-19 related
and funding items using federal dollars:
$93.3 million to the Ohio
Dept. of Health to expand statewide COVID-19 testing
capabilities;
$62 million for Ohio's rural
hospitals;
$100 million to Ohio public
higher education institutions;
$24.6 million to the Ohio
Dept. of Public Safety to support the Ohio National Guard's
response to the COVID-19 pandemic;
$2.5 million to the Ohio
Dept. of Veterans Services to reimburse costs related to
addressing COVID-19 spread in Ohio Veterans Homes in
Georgetown and Sandusky;
$1 million to Ohio's public
libraries to continue operations
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