Swearingen's COVID-19 Business Relief Package Passes Ohio House
State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) announces the critical legislation, under House Bill 169, that provides significant grants to bars, restaurants and the lodging industry due to financial burdens placed on them by the pandemic passed within the Ohio House earlier today. Swearingen, a joint sponsor of the bill, spoke to it on the House floor.
“Since the businesses were unable to operate during most of the year 2020 due to a pandemic that included government intervention into their day to day operations, it was only fair that these businesses receive funding to get back on their feet," said Swearingen.
The bill appropriates $125 million in federal COVID-19 relief aid to support Ohio bars, restaurants and the lodging industry, which have been hit hard by the closures and restrictions stemming from COVID-19.
“For the past year, these business owners have struggled to keep their door open and serve customers to the best of their capabilities in these trying times. At the end of 2020, it was projected that sixty-seven percent of hotels will not make it another 6 months given current and projected travel demand without emergency financial assistance.”
Specifically, the bill appropriates $100 million in grants for bars and restaurants, and $25 million in grants for the lodging industry. For bars and restaurants, the grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 based on loss of revenue and the number of employees. Additionally, the lodging industry grants will be awarded in the amounts of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000 based on loss of revenue and occupancy rates.
Swearingen also supported and the chamber passed House Bill 168, another COVID-19 relief plan that focuses on small businesses, county fairs, child care and Ohio’s two veterans homes. Specifically, the allocation for the veterans homes totals $3 million, which will include significant funding for Swearingen’s in-district Ohio Veterans Home in Sandusky.
Both pieces of legislation now proceed to the Senate for further consideration.