Rep. Russo, House Dems announce $310 million in COVID-19 relief

State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced Monday the state Controlling Board approved another round of funding to support Ohio’s efforts to control the COVID-19 outbreak.

“These federal funds approved by the Controlling Board are a start to mitigating the effects of this ongoing pandemic on the supporting sectors of our economy,” said Rep. Russo. “I am pleased the Controlling Board is approving this much needed financial support, especially for long-term care facilities, veterans homes, and domestic abuse victims, during this critical time.”

The Controlling Board Monday approved federal funds from the CARES Act to the following agencies and program to respond to the COVID-19 crisis:

• $192 million to skilled nursing facilities, behavioral health, assisted living, and home health care providers;
• $50 million to create the BroadbandOhio Connectivity Grant Program, which will expand high-speed internet access for Ohio students utilizing remote learning during COVID crisis;
• $18.3 million to Ohio’s public libraries;
• $8.7 million to Ohio Attorney General’s office to assist rape and domestic violence crisis centers and $1 million for consumer protection efforts;
• $3 million to Ohio Veterans Posts and $1 million to Ohio Veterans Homes;
• $4.7 million to Deputy Registrars and Driver Test Centers;
• $7.2 million to the Ohio Department of Health;
• $25 million to various state agencies including the Departments of Education, Natural Resources, Public Safety, and others.