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

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) 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 $900M 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 300K Ohio families will be eligible for meaningful financial support.

“Ohioans are deserving of the assistance that they are owed. This should not be the controversial or long-fought battle it’s been. In a state where mothers struggle to provide for their children, seniors are wondering how they’ll afford their medications, and individuals cannot find affordable housing, it’s truly ridiculous that it’s come to this point. Ohio House Democrats will continue to advocate for all Ohioans' ability to thrive in their communities,” said Rep. Grim.

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