Rep. Russo announces more than $765 million to support health and wellbeing of 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 more than $74 million to support Ohio’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. $11.9 million will be spent on distributing vaccines, $24.1 million will be spent on contact tracing, and $38.3 million will be spent on testing. The Controlling Board additionally approved the release of more than $17 million for testing in Ohio’s prisons.

The Controlling Board also approved the release of more than $160 million from the Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools Program. The funds will reimburse schools throughout Ohio to cover expenses accrued due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I am pleased that the Controlling Board released these funds for the continued support of Ohio’s COVID-19 pandemic response and recovery,” said Rep. Russo. “These monies will help fund critical COVID-19 vaccine distribution, contact tracing, and testing efforts, while also supporting efforts to protect the health and well-being of our businesses, communities, and families as we transition into the summer months and a post-pandemic future.”

The Controlling Board approved a number of other measures on Monday, including:

• $419.1 million for Medicaid’s PASSPORT program to help elderly Ohioans stay in their homes and communities;
• $88.7 million to renew projects and support the Office of Unemployment Insurance Operations;
• $3.9 million for the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services to facilitate the adoption of more than 2,800 children;
• Nearly $2 million for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to purchase supplies from Ohio Certified Minority Business Enterprise vendors;
• $1.8 million in capital funds for the Department of Natural Resources to enhance small to medium wastewater projects.