Leader Russo announces over $41 million dollars to prepare for Ohio's general election, support community development

COLUMBUS – Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced that the State Controlling Board approved $6 million to prepare for Ohio’s general election in November. The funding will be used to print and mail applications for absentee voter ballots, including $1.2 million to cover the cost of postage. 

“The distribution of these important funds by the Controlling Board is not only an investment in this November’s election but also in ensuring that all Ohioans have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process,” said Leader Russo. “These funds will allow our state to proactively prepare absentee ballots so voters can receive their ballots on time.”

Additionally, the Controlling Board has allocated over $35 million to the Department of Development to support community development across the state. $10 million of these funds will go to the Appalachian Regional Commission to continue ongoing efforts to strengthen economic growth in Appalachia Ohio, while $20 million will be allocated to the Community Development Block Grant. Additionally, $10 million will be allocated to the HOME program to assist urban housing development efforts for low income Ohioans. 

Other approved items include:

·  $10 million to the Department of Development to provide financing to small businesses located in designated Ohio Opportunity zones;

· $10 million to the Facilities Construction Commission to support state agency and institutions of higher education, and K-12 school districts in the design and administration of projects to improve school facilities;

·  Over $2 million to the Department of Jobs and Family Services to support unemployment operations;

·  Over $1 million to the Department of Natural Resources to pay for increased operational costs related to cooperative wildfire response;

· Over $1.3 million to support halfway houses and nontraditional housing programs.