Rep. Jarrells announces $121.2 million American Rescue Plan funds to support Ohio's children

Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) announced that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including $121.2 million from the American Rescue Plan to support homeless youth, preschool students and children with disabilities.

“Given the rising levels of homelessness, it is essential that we support families and individuals during the most critical moment in their life,” Rep. Jarrells said. “This infusion of funds targeted to mitigate homelessness gives me sincere hope that we will better connect our residents to the services and supports they deserve.”

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

• $11.7 million to answer calls regarding unemployment insurance and benefits;
• $10 million in CARES Act funds to provide body cameras for employees Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and the Department of Natural Resources;
• $7.6 million for workforce training and equipment purchases;
• $5 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the Ohio Exposition Center;
• $5 million to enhance public safety at Ohio’s public colleges and universities;
• $4.9 million to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, eliminate fraud and adjudicate claims;
• $1.5 million to process traditional unemployment benefits;
• $325,000 to identify ineligible people claiming benefits from ODJFS’ public programs;
• $314,000 over the next two years to improve pediatric care, with a special emphasis on serving minority patient populations;
• $261,684 to confront infant mortality by implementing the BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program.