Rep. Lightbody announces $121.2 million American Rescue Plan funds to support Ohio's children

COLUMBUS – Rep. Mary Lightbody (D-Westerville) announced today that the state Controlling Board approved several items of note this week, including $121.2 million from the American Rescue Plan to support homeless youth, preschool students and children with disabilities.

“I’m glad that we continue to put American Rescue Plan Funds to work in our communities. Among the items approved are vital investments in youth healthcare and education at all levels. I still receive numerous calls from constituents asking for help with navigating Ohio’s unemployment system. This additional funding is sorely needed in order to more efficiently process their claims and address their concerns.,” said Rep. Lightbody. 

The Controlling Board approved a number of other measures on Monday, including:

·         $11.7 million to answer calls regarding unemployment insurance and benefits;

·         $10 million in CARES Act funds to provide body cameras for employees Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections and the Department              of Natural Resources;

·         $7.6 million for workforce training and equipment purchases;

·         $5 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the Ohio Exposition Center;

·         $5 million to enhance public safety at Ohio’s public colleges and universities;

·         $4.9 million to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, eliminate fraud and adjudicate claims;

·         $1.5 million to process traditional unemployment benefits;

·         $325,000 to identify ineligible people claiming benefits from ODJFS’ public programs;

·         $314,000 over the next two years to improve pediatric care, with a special emphasis on serving minority patient populations;

·         $261,684 to confront infant mortality by implementing the BABY & ME – Tobacco Free Program.