Richardson Announces Unemployment Compensation Reform, Local COVID-19 Relief Signed into Law
COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced Governor DeWine has signed House Bill 614 into law. The legislation will improve Ohio’s unemployment compensation application process and provides $650 million of federal CARES Act funding to local communities across Ohio for COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses.
“House Bill 614 started with one goal in mind – to help Ohioans,” said Richardson, who sponsored the bill. “By addressing a number of key issues related to COVID-19 in this legislation, Ohio will strengthen and improve our recovery efforts.”
H.B. 614 creates the Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council to evaluate the claim filing process and technological infrastructure, as well as examine ways to maximize the responsiveness for individual applicants and employers.
In addition, the Auditor of State is required to examine and make recommendations on the efficiency of the process, and the Director of ODJFS is required to create a constituent referral system and strategic staffing plan to better serve Ohioans.
The bill also contains a third round of COVID-19 relief funding for counties, municipalities and townships for expenses incurred between March 1st and the end of 2020. The funding follows the state Controlling Board’s recent approval of $175 million and the General Assembly’s passage of $350 million through House Bill 481 in June.
“I am proud of the passion and hard work that went into this legislation, and I sincerely thank my colleagues and Governor DeWine for their support,” added Richardson.
Richardson attended a virtual bill signing with Governor DeWine and other stakeholders this afternoon.