House Democrats Urge Governor, Attorney General to Accept, Release $900M in Unused Federal Unemployment Funds

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Eric Synenberg (D-Beachwood) today joined The Ohio House Democratic Caucus in sending a letter to Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost urging them to not appeal Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Holbrook’s ruling that the governor violated a statue in 2021 when he refused to accept $900 million in federal unemployment during the pandemic. The ruling, if not appealed by the attorney general and if the funds are distributed by the governor, means 300,000 Ohio families will be eligible for meaningful financial support.

“Many of our constituents experienced severe income loss during the pandemic, and the federal government stepped in to provide crucial support that put Americans first," said Rep. Synenberg. "Our constituents are still struggling with the long-term financial effects, and by following the court's ruling and securing these funds, we can ensure we are putting Ohioans first.”

Roughly 320,000 people filed a class action lawsuit for the original payments denied by the governor in 2021. In the height of the pandemic, $3,000 could have helped many struggling Ohioans, and still can now.