Rep. Russo announces $347.9 million for unemployment, health and other COVID-19 supports for Ohioans

Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced today that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including the allocation of  $175.3 million in federal funds to improve the processing of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) claims to support Ohioans who lost their jobs during the pandemic through no fault of their own.

The Controlling Board also allocated $106 million to purchase at-home COVID-19 testing kits, which have been difficult for Ohioans to access due to increased demand for tests and limited supply.

“The release of these critical funds by the Controlling Board for at-home testing kits, vaccine distribution and administration, and COVID-19 mitigation is extremely important for making sure our health systems aren’t strained any further than they already are during this COVID-19 surge,” said Rep. Russo.  “I am also pleased by the approval of vital funding for important Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims processing, as well as the release of federal dollars to support the most vulnerable in our communities.  Using funds in this targeted manner will help ensure that our businesses and communities remain open and are sustained during these challenging times.”

The Controlling Board approved other measures Monday to support Ohioans amid the coronavirus pandemic, including:

• $47.1 million from the federal government to promote nutrition and combat hunger;
• $12 million from the American Rescue Plan Act to support Ohio’s seniors and Area Agencies on Aging;
• $2.8 million to distribute and administer COVID-19 vaccinations;
• $2.8 million over the next two years to provide care for Ohioans on Medicaid;
• $136,149 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19;
• $1.8 million for court-appointed Special Advocate Programs.