Rep. Jarrells announces over $60 million to continue Ohio's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) voted to approve over $60 million across several state departments to help Ohioans recover from the devastating impact of the COVID- 19 pandemic. Approved funding includes over $12.18 million to continue the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and over $16.4 million for nursing homes and long-term care facilities to support the health and safety of residents, visitors, and facility healthcare personnel. 

The National Breakfast Program will receive $25 million so students can continue to have access to nutritious meals. Additionally, $6.5 million will be used to ensure underserved communities have access to high quality mental health services. 

“I am proud to vote for these items. From insuring access to nutritious meals for vulnerable students to providing funding for nursing homes and long-term care facilities, these funds will help ensure all Ohioans have the opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Jarrells.

Additionally, the Controlling Board appropriated over $17.7 million to the Department of Public Safety to provide assistance through the State Disaster Relief Program to counties across Ohio that were impacted by severe storms and flooding in 2020 and severe ice storms in 2021 and 2022. Funding will help to establish future emergency protective measures, road repairs caused by the severe flooding, and permanent repairs to power systems across the state that were damaged by ice storms.  

Other approved items include:

·         $3 million to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to continue COVID-19 testing at all institutions;

·         $1 million to provide lead hazard control services to low and moderate- income households throughout Ohio; 

·         $360,000 the Department of Mental Health and Addiction to aid in services to prevent problem gambling;

·         Over $200,000 to the Department of Health to support Ohio’s Newborn Screening Program that aids in early detection of serious genetic and metabolic disease infants.