Speaker Cupp Announces Millions in Coronavirus Relief Funding for Ohio

Speaker Bob Cupp joined other state leaders today in announcing $425 million in aid to help Ohio families, businesses and more who have been impacted by COVID-19.

Cupp (R-Lima) worked with Governor Mike DeWine and Senate President Larry Obhof to develop the plan, which is funded by federal CARES Act aid.

The package includes aid for small businesses, rent and mortgage assistance, higher education, rural hospitals, non-profit unemployment and the arts. It’s the latest in a series of steps state leaders have taken to help Ohio as it continues to confront COVID-19.

“The pandemic has impacted many aspects of our state and our daily lives,” Cupp said. “I am fully committed to safely and responsibly continuing to reopen our economy, and support jobs and Ohio families. Our goal with this package is to help families, small businesses, hospitals and more as they continue to deal with the hardships of this pandemic.”

The package is expected to go before the State Controlling Board on Monday for approval.

The package announced today will be distributed to the following areas:

• $125 million for small business grants, which will allow small businesses to apply for up to $10,000 in relief;

• $55 million for rent, mortgage and utility assistance to be administered by the DSA through various Community Action Agencies;

• $100 million for higher education to assist with added expenses due to COVID-19;

• $62 million for rural/critical access hospitals;

• $38 million in liquor permit rebates;

• $25 million for non-profit unemployment, and

• $20 million to support the arts.

Since the onset of COVID-19, the Ohio House has passed more than a dozen bills related to the pandemic, including measures to support small businesses, schools, health care workers, first responders and more.

With today’s announcement, the state has committed $3 billion in federal CARES Aid to support schools, colleges, local governments and more with COVID-related expenses.