Representative Oelslager Announces Millions in Coronavirus Relief

Today, State Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) supported and approved $425 million in aid to help Ohio families, businesses and more who have been impacted by COVID-19 during the state Controlling Board meeting. The measure is funded by federal CARES Act aid.

“We continue to see sectors of our state that have been heavily impacted by the pandemic,” said Oelslager. “I’m glad I had the chance today to stand by businesses, workers, schools and other areas in getting them back on track by approving this much-needed relief.”

The package includes aid for small businesses, rent and mortgage assistance, higher education, rural hospitals, non-profit unemployment and the arts. It’s the latest in a series of steps state leaders have taken to help Ohio as it continues to confront COVID-19.

The package announced today will be distributed to the following areas:

• $125 million for small business grants, which will allow small businesses to apply for up to $10,000 in relief. Businesses can apply beginning Nov. 2 at www.businesshelp.ohio.gov;

• $55 million for rent, mortgage and utility assistance to be administered by the DSA through various Community Action Agencies;

• $100 million for higher education to assist with added expenses due to COVID-19;

• $62 million for rural/critical access hospitals;

• $38 million in liquor permit rebates;

• $25 million for non-profit unemployment; and

• $20 million to support the performing and cultural 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.

With today’s announcement, the state has committed $3 billion in federal CARES funding to support schools, colleges, local governments and more with COVID-related expenses.