Rep. Jarrells announces more than $43 million to support health, safety and security of Ohioans

Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) announced that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including $39 million to cover the administrative costs of running the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Unemployment Insurance programs.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of uncertainty to individuals and families in my district and across the state. That’s why the approval of this funding was so critically important. It gives Ohioans more support as we navigate these complex challenges,” said Rep. Jarrells.

The Controlling Board approved a number of other measures to support the health and safety of Ohioans Monday, including:

• $3.3 million for the Family and Children First program to support early childhood mental health,
• $1.3 million to the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services to fund treatment, crisis counseling, and other support at the community level for those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,
• $67,458 for the Department of Health to purchase rapid HIV testing kits.

Additional notable funding items include $120,000 to train Ohio educators and $1.5 million to repair dams and improve the state’s infrastructure.