Rep. Denson announces over $41 million dollars to prepare for Ohio's general election, support community development

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Denson (D-Cincinnati) announced that the State Controlling Board approved $6 million to prepare for Ohio’s general election in November. The funding will be used to print and mail applications for absentee voter ballots, including $1.2 million to cover the cost of postage. 

“Voter accessibility is essential to democracy,” said Rep. Denson. “The allocation of these funds will continue to build up Ohioans by ensuring that all communities have access to quality housing, education and opportunities for financial freedom.” 

Additionally, the Controlling Board has allocated over $35 million to the Department of Development to support community development across the state. $10 million of these funds will go to the Appalachian Regional Commission to continue ongoing efforts to strengthen economic growth in Appalachia Ohio, while $20 million will be allocated to the Community Development Block Grant. Additionally, $10 million will be allocated to the HOME program to assist urban housing development efforts for low income Ohioans. 

Other approved items include:

· $10 million to the Department of Development to provide financing to small businesses located in designated Ohio Opportunity zones;

· $10 million to the Facilities Construction Commission to support state agency and institutions of higher education, and K-12 school districts in the design and administration of projects to improve school facilities;

· Over $2 million to the Department of Jobs and Family Services to support unemployment operations;

· Over $1 million to the Department of Natural Resources to pay for increased operational costs related to cooperative wildfire response;

·  Over $1.3 million to support halfway houses and nontraditional housing programs.