Rep. Lightbody, House Dems applaud passage of bill to send $350 million in federal funds to local communities to fight coronavirus

Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) today issued a statement as the Ohio House passed House Bill (HB) 481, which would distribute $350 million in federal CARES Act funds to aid coronavirus response in Ohio communities.

Funds will go toward reimbursement for personal protective equipment (PPE) for front line workers, testing and other costs as local communities continue to combat the global pandemic.

“Ohio, like the rest of the United States, is still fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. We must continue to do our best to avoid a second explosion in the number of cases and prepare for such an increase in the future,” said Rep. Lightbody. “Our communities will need support as they continue to navigate these uncertain times and these funds will be an immense help.”

The bill also re-appropriates $1.28 billion in capital funds over the next two years to fund various capital improvement projects across the state.

In addition, HB 481 authorizes state employee pay freezes amid budget shortfalls as well as $3.2 million in state funding for nursing home facilities.

The bill now moves to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.