Rep. Troy announces $224.7 million for energy assistance, unemployment, and other support for Ohio's families and seniors

Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) announced today that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including the allocation of $202 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) for the Home Energy Assistance Weatherization Program, helping Ohio's low to moderate-income families and seniors with their energy bills.

Additionally, the Controlling Board allocated $13.5 million of federal funding to prepare students for employment in high-demand fields. The funds will encourage school districts to support students pursuing careers in information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction, engineering, and other essential areas.

"As a Representative of a district comprised of working families and fixed-income seniors, I'm proud to have been a part of the federal and state governments working together to deliver real results. These investments will help many households keep the lights on and ensure our youth are prepared for gainful employment and brighter futures," said Rep. Troy. 

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

• $4.5 million through ARPA to support Ohio's libraries navigating the COVID-19 pandemic;
• $1.5 million from the federal government for the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS) to streamline its intake and responses to inquires;
• $1.4 million for ODJFS to identify public assistance fraud, prevent overpayments and determine eligibility for benefits;
• $570,000 over the next two years to purchase Electronic Benefit Transfer smart cards for Women, Infants & Children programs statewide, which help provide healthy foods to families in need;
• $268,084 to maintain ventilators for Ohio's hospitals;
• $200,000 to train county election officials;
• $150,000 over the next two years to prevent sexual assault on college campuses and support survivors;