House Dems urge President Trump to approve Ohio's request for federal aid to fight coronavirus

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today sent a letter to President Trump on behalf of the Ohio House Democrats urging him to approve Ohio’s Major Disaster Declaration request, which would deploy Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to aid the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak. 

In their letter, Democrats said that while public and private efforts in the state are making a difference in the lives of working people and families, more “can be done to support those who are both physically and economically vulnerable.”

More than 180,000 Ohioans have filed for unemployment compensation since the onset of the outbreak as businesses have shuttered in a coordinated effort to limit the spread of COVID-19.

“As a state, we need to care for the health and wellbeing of our citizens during and after the COVID-19 emergency,” wrote the lawmakers. “With the additional resources afforded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, we will be able to sustain and support Ohioans as we all face this pandemic.”

Trump has already signed off on disaster declarations in 22 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam and the District of Columbia. Gov. Mike DeWine’s request was filed March 28.

As of March 30, the state confirmed 1,933 coronavirus cases and 39 deaths.

House Dems urge President Trump to approve Ohio's request for federal aid to fight coronavirus (PDF)