Rep. Rogers Announces $65 Million for School Meal Reimbursements

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) this week announced the Controlling Board has approved $65 million to fund school meal reimbursements through the Ohio Department of Education. This investment will pay claims for meals served to schools through the National School Lunch program, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 “Investment to fund nutritious meals for students from under-resourced families is essential to ensuring that all of Ohio’s children are afforded the opportunity to succeed. Students that are not able to have a nutritionally balanced lunch suffer both in and out of the classroom. The funds approved by the Controlling Board move us one step closer to ensuring that all of our children are positioned to achieve to the highest of their abilities,” said Rep. Rogers.

Additionally, the Controlling Board approved $20 million in federal grant dollars to invest in the Ohio Department of Education. The money, which is made up of three separate agenda items, will be used for academic support to low-income families, career tech education, and improving conditions in schools.

Other approved Controlling Board items include:

·         $20 million appropriation for the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance program.

·         $9.25 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for improvements to state parks across Ohio. The funds, which are made up of three separate agenda items, will be used to clean up the parks and enhance the recreational experience.

·         $18 million to plug over 130 abandoned (orphan) oil and gas wells.