Dolan Introduces Bill Providing $650M in Pandemic Relief for Ohio's Local Communities
August 27, 2020
Matt Dolan News
COLUMBUS— State Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) today introduced new legislation providing an additional $650 million of federal CARES Act funding to local communities across Ohio for COVID-19 pandemic-related expenses.
The funding in Senate Bill 357 will be made available to counties, municipalities and townships for necessary expenses associated with the current public health emergency and will be distributed on a per capita basis.
“This legislation continues to ensure that local communities on the front lines of Ohio's recovery have critical resources available to them. I urge the Senate and House to act quickly on this bill so they can get needed funds as soon as possible,” said Dolan. “If Congress or the U.S. Treasury expands the use of these dollars, locals will have greater flexibility to address the unique needs in their communities.” Senate Bill 357 will be the third round of coronavirus relief funding for counties, municipalities and townships following the state Controlling Board’s authorization on Monday of $175 million and the General Assembly’s approval in June of $350 million through House Bill 481. This funding excludes Ohio’s six jurisdictions with populations over 500,000 because they already qualify for direct payments from the CARES Act; this includes the city of Columbus, and Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery and Summit county governments. Municipalities and townships within these counties, however, are still eligible for the funding appropriated in this legislation.
The legislation includes an emergency clause, making the bill effective immediately upon being signed by the governor. The bill will now be referred to a Senate committee.
The funding in Senate Bill 357 will be made available to counties, municipalities and townships for necessary expenses associated with the current public health emergency and will be distributed on a per capita basis.
“This legislation continues to ensure that local communities on the front lines of Ohio's recovery have critical resources available to them. I urge the Senate and House to act quickly on this bill so they can get needed funds as soon as possible,” said Dolan. “If Congress or the U.S. Treasury expands the use of these dollars, locals will have greater flexibility to address the unique needs in their communities.” Senate Bill 357 will be the third round of coronavirus relief funding for counties, municipalities and townships following the state Controlling Board’s authorization on Monday of $175 million and the General Assembly’s approval in June of $350 million through House Bill 481. This funding excludes Ohio’s six jurisdictions with populations over 500,000 because they already qualify for direct payments from the CARES Act; this includes the city of Columbus, and Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery and Summit county governments. Municipalities and townships within these counties, however, are still eligible for the funding appropriated in this legislation.
The legislation includes an emergency clause, making the bill effective immediately upon being signed by the governor. The bill will now be referred to a Senate committee.