Rep. Russo Responds to Governor's Childcare Announcement Delay

COLUMBUS— State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today responded to Governor Mike DeWine’s announcement to delay the reopening of childcare programs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Ohio’s childcare professionals are the workforce behind the workforce,” said Rep. Russo. “The reality is that many parents cannot go back to work if they do not have childcare. As we make additional safety requirements such as lower class ratios, less interaction between classes, greater use of personal protective equipment, and additional sanitation procedures, we must also provide childcare programs with the reopening resources and guidance they need to ensure a safe and healthy environment. I commend the Governor’s commitment to forming an evidence-based plan for reopening childcares, and urge him to do so as quickly as possible.”

Shortly before the Governor’s daily press conference today, Representative Russo and Representative Susan Manchester (R- Waynesfield), sent a bipartisan letter to the administration urging the formation of a workgroup to plan for statewide access to childcare. Both representatives are asking that the administration specifically include

1) financial aid to centers for reopening expenses;

2) expand the parent qualifications for pandemic childcare centers to include new groups returning to work;

3) protections for parents receiving unemployment benefits who are unable to return to work due to unavailable childcare; and 4) balancing health and safety needs.

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EDITOR’S NOTE: A copy of the letter from Reps. Russo and Manchester is attached.

Rep. Russo Responds to Governor's Childcare Announcement Delay (PDF)