Fraizer Introduces Bill to Provide COVID-19 Relief Plan to Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Representative Mark Fraizer (R-Newark) yesterday introduced a $300 million COVID-19 relief plan to support small businesses, veterans and childcare in Ohio. 

The legislation, House Bill 168, would allocate the following funds:

• $3 million for Ohio’s two veterans homes
• $4.7 million for county fairs
• $10 million for new business relief grants
• $20 million for indoor entertainment grants
• $112 million for childcare
• $150 million for small business assistance

“I am proud to stand by my colleague Representative Mike Loychik and sponsor this significant piece of legislation that will utilize federal aid to improve conditions for Ohioans as we continue to live through the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Fraizer.

The $20 million for indoor entertainment grants will be used by the Development Services Agency to provide grants to indoor entertainment venues impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants will be awarded in amounts of $10,000, $20,000 and $30,000. Awards will be based on factors such as demonstrated loss of revenue due to canceled events or performances. 

The $10 million for new businesses relief grants will be used by the Development Services Agency to provide relief grants of $10,000 for new businesses in Ohio opening after January 1, 2020.

The $150 million for small business assistance will be issued by the Development Services Agency to provide grants of $10,000 to all eligible applicants who applied for grants under the Small Business Grant Relief Program on or before December 11, 2020, but whose requests were not funded. 

The legislation now waits to be assigned to a House standing committee.