Swearingen Attends Bill-Signing Ceremony for COVID-Relief Packages

State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) attended the signing ceremony of two bills that offer significant COVID-19 relief. The pieces of legislation under Senate Bills 108 and 109 were signed into law today by the governor. Swearingen sponsored the companion bill in the House and spoke during the event. 

“Tourism plays a part of Erie and Ottawa counties' local economy and lodging as well as our bars and restaurants definitely took a hit last year,” said Swearingen. “This legislation will give the lodging industry the opportunity to seek out grants to assist them as they recover from the losses of revenue from the pandemic.”

The bills include the following appropriations for COVID-19 relief:

Senate Bill 108 – $125 million in grants for bars, restaurants, and the lodging industry

• $100 million to Ohio’s bars and restaurants
• $25 million to Ohio’s lodging industry 

Senate Bill 109 – Over $350 million in support of small businesses, veterans, county fairs, and child care:

• $150 million for a small business grant relief program
• $10 million for grants to new businesses 
• $174.9 million for Ohio's fairs, veterans’ homes and child care services
  • $4.7 million for county and independent fairs
  • $3 million for veterans homes
  • $167.2 million for childcare providers  

• $20 million for entertainment venues for loss of revenue due to canceled events or performances

Swearingen sponsored the companion bill to Senate Bill 108 under House Bill 169.

Both the House and the Senate passed the two bills signed into law today back in early May.