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Ohio's Controlling Board approves $420 million in coronavirus relief funding from CARES Act

The aid approved on Monday will help Ohio families, businesses and more who have been impacted by COVID-19.

CLEVELAND — It's still not clear when or if a second round of stimulus checks will be going out to Americans in the near future. 

However, on Monday the state of Ohio's Controlling Board approved $420 million in aid to help Ohio families, businesses and more who have been impacted by COVID-19. The measure is funded by federal CARES Act aid.

“I’m very pleased the State Controlling Board has approved our CARES Act package of more than $419.5 million. We worked closely with the General Assembly, and I am grateful for their continued partnership in supporting Ohioans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic," said Gov. Mike DeWine in a statement.

RELATED: Gov. Mike DeWine reveals how Ohio is spending its CARES Act coronavirus funding

DeWine says the package includes funding for small businesses, restaurants and bars, hospitals, higher education, arts, nonprofits, and Ohio families, all of whom have been financially impacted by COVID-19. According to the governor, the rent, mortgage, and water and/or sewer assistance "is essential assistance" that will help Ohioans stay in their homes and pay off outstanding bills accrued throughout the pandemic.

"COVID-19 has resulted in businesses, their employees, hospitals and many other groups facing financial challenges," State Rep. Tom Patton added in a statement. "Today, I’m pleased to announce substantial COVID-19 relief to aid in the expenses incurred throughout the state due to this pandemic."

The package is the latest in a series of steps state leaders have taken to help Ohio as it continues to confront COVID-19.

The measure announced on Monday 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. Businesses can apply beginning Nov. 2 at www.businesshelp.ohio.gov
  • $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
  • $25 million for non-profit unemployment 
  • $20 million to support the performing and cultural arts

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

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