Pavliga Announces Over $1.5 Million for Portage County

State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County) announces measures from last year’s budget bill were approved at today’s State Controlling Board meeting. The measures total millions in funding for Kent State University and to an agency in Portage County for homeless crises response.

“Last year’s state budget funded several different projects for Portage County that I supported,” said Pavliga. “It’s great to see these measures move forward, these initiatives will help prevent individuals from facing homelessness as well as provide significant funding for the Choose Ohio First scholarship program to recruit students for work-based learning opportunities through STEM education.”

Kent State University is set to receive $1.5 million over the next five years for the Choose Ohio First scholarship program that focuses on recruiting Ohio residents in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) education to strengthen the economy.

Additionally, the Family and Community Services, Inc. has been allocated $171,500 to provide supportive services to assist nearly 700 people. Family and Community Services will operate a 22-bed emergency shelter program for homeless single males and females and households with children throughout Portage County.

Both of the approved measures derive from House Bill 110, the state operating budget legislation that Pavliga supported last year.

The next State Controlling Board meeting is scheduled for April 25.