Senate Passes Reynolds Bill Establishing the New African Immigrant Grant and Gift Fund

COLUMBUS—State Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester) announced that yesterday the Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 54, which creates the New African Immigrants Grant and Gift Fund, allowing the New African Immigrant Commission to receive funding.

"This fund will allow the New African Immigrants Commission to receive grants and gifts to promote immigrants’ self-sufficiency by connecting them to state, nonprofit, and private programs and services," said Reynolds, who sponsored the bill with Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron). "These resources are crucial to the advancement of the sub-Saharan African population in Ohio."

The New African Immigrant Commission was established in the 127th General Assembly with the objective to advise the Governor, General Assembly, and state agencies on policies focusing on the special issues and needs of Ohio's African immigrant population. New African Immigrants make up a population of over 69,000 across more than 39 counties.

To learn more about Senate Bill 54, click here.