Callender Announces More COVID-19 Relief for Ohio

State Rep. Jamie Callender (R-Concord) announces another round of COVID-19 relief is on its way for the people of Ohio. Earlier today, Callender announces the state Controlling Board approved more COVID-19 aid. Several measures are funded by federal CARES Act aid.

“The state Controlling Board continues to deliver the necessary appropriations for government agencies and Ohioans throughout the state as we continue to combat the ramifications brought on by COVID-19,” said Callender. “This funding will be used to ensure appropriate reimbursements and continued safety protections are secured for the duration of this pandemic.”

Some of the measures approved today will be distributed to the following areas:

• $30 million for pandemic-related services to local health departments to address increases in COVID-19 cases;
• Continuing approval to direct funding for behavioral health providers pertaining to mental health services;
• $10.7 million in support of schools and districts in their response to coronavirus;
• $150 million to the Summer Food Service Program, which will be used to reimburse schools, districts and other program providers for coronavirus expenses;
• $3 million for the Resident Protection Fund to assist nursing facilities with in-person visitations; and
• $1.4 million to the Department of Youth Services to pay for expenditures due to the pandemic, such as paying for personal protection equipment (PPE).

Additionally, the Board approved $87.5 million to the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the Ohio State Opioid Response Project. The allocation will be used for continuing efforts on opioid prevention, treatment and supportive services.

Further, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will also be receiving $500,000 to be allocated for community behavioral health facilities for Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers. The funding will go toward a new men’s residential treatment facility, which will provide services and treatment to residents with substance use disorder.

Just last month, Callender supported the $425 million coronavirus-relief package that included funding for small businesses, rent and mortgage assistance, higher education, rural hospitals, non-profit unemployment and the arts.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Ohio House has passed more than a dozen bills related to coronavirus, including measures to support small businesses, schools, health care workers, first responders and more.  The state has already committed $3 billion in federal CARES funding to support schools, colleges, local governments and more with COVID-related expenses.