Rep. Brent announces COVID-19 relief money, federal resources available to help community

Today, State Rep. Juanita O. Brent (D-Cleveland) announced the passage of House Bills 167, 168, 169, and 170, all of which provide much needed COVID-19 relief to communities across Ohio.

“Passing this coronavirus relief package was necessary to help our communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rep. Brent. “The legislation we passed today will provide important rental and utility assistance for Ohioans. There is also support for our small businesses and restaurants, our fairs, veterans and schools.

“However, for many of people in Ohio, including my some of my constituents, this bill is too little, too late. I introduced a bill last General Assembly that would have provided necessary rent relief for Ohioans. Instead of waiting more than a year into this pandemic, we should have been taking action last year to help people like my constituents in Maple Heights, Cleveland, and Bedford Heights who have now been evicted from their homes.

“The Ohio Promise says that we work for you. We should have been working harder for the people of Ohio. These bills are an important step in helping Ohioans get back on track and helping our state build back better, but for many, it’s too little, too late.”

HB 167 provides rent and utility assistance, and passed the House by a vote of 91-0. HB 168 provides grants to businesses, local fairs, child care providers, and veterans homes, and passed the House by a vote of 90-0. HB 169 provides grants to bars and restaurants and the lodging industry, and passed the House by a vote of 91-0. HB 170 provides assistance to schools and other entities in response to COVID-19 pandemic, and passed by a vote of 89-0.

These four bills now head to the Ohio Senate for their consideration.