Ohio Legislators Urge Governor DeWine to Comply with Court Ruling, Secure $900M in Federal Relief for Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Representatives Tristan Rader (D-Lakewood) and Sean Patrick Brennan (Parma) today submitted a letter to Governor DeWine urging him to refrain from appealing the recent decision by Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Michael Holbrook. The court’s ruling mandates that Ohio reinstate its participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program and secure the nearly $900M in federal relief funds owed to Ohioans.

“These are dollars that belong in Ohio communities, helping families make ends meet and stimulating local economies, not left sitting in Washington while Ohioans struggle,” said Rep. Rader. “Families and small businesses today are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and these funds will help bring needed relief.”

“Ohioans have waited long enough,” said Rep. Brennan. “The courts have spoken, and it is time for the state to comply with the ruling and deliver the aid that is rightfully owed. By appealing and delaying this decision, Ohioans will still not have access to relief and taxpayer resources will be wasted on additional legal proceedings.”

In the letter, Reps. Rader and Brennan emphasize the harm caused by Ohio’s refusal to participate in the fully federally funded FPUC program in June 2021, which deprived thousands of Ohioans of vital assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lawmakers contend that Judge Holbrook’s decision affirms what should have been clear from the beginning—Ohio law required the state to accept and distribute these funds.