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.
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.