Richardson's COVID-19 Funding Relief Bill Heads to Governor

Over $787 million in federal funding directed to Ohio schools

May 26, 2021

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced the Ohio General Assembly has approved House Bill 170, legislation that supports Ohio’s schools, the Ohio Department of Health, and the National Guard by providing over $967 million in COVID-19 federal funding relief.

“The purpose of this bill is to utilize federal aid that will help Ohio’s pandemic response and get our schools back to normal,” said Richardson. “I’m thankful for the support of my colleagues in getting these crucial funds, provided by the federal government, to classrooms across the state.”

The measure provides the following funding:

$632.4 million to Ohio’s public schools
$154.9 million to Ohio’s private schools
$173 million to the Ohio Department of Health for COVID-19 testing and vaccine distribution efforts
$7 million to the Adjutant General to support the Ohio National Guard response

Earlier this week, the State Controlling board approved $26 million to support Educational Service Centers, Joint Vocational Schools, and Ohio’s County Boards of Developmental Disabilities, as well as $50 million for public schools to expedite the release of the those funds.

The bill also contains provisions that allow the Auditor of State to review the allocated federal funds to identify common usages and best utilization of those dollars.

H.B. 170 now heads to Governor DeWine’s desk for his signature.