Senator Schaffer Issues Guidance on COVID-19 Crisis

COLUMBUS - State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) today issued the following statement and guidance on the COVID-19 pandemic: “This is a difficult time for Ohio families that are facing financial hardships due to precautionary measures imposed by the State of Ohio in reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Be assured that my staff and I are on the job every day, working to provide the best possible response to the pandemic in order to protect our constituents.”

I understand that these COVID-19 pandemic measures are causing difficulty to our citizens. The State of Ohio and the federal government are taking measures to combat the negative effects that this public health crisis has caused our economy and the working individuals and families of Ohio.

Below is a list of measures and resources that are available to assist individuals, families and businesses during this difficult time:

• For unemployment benefits for affected workers, visit http://jfs.ohio.gov/ohio/Coronavirus.
• Additionally, Ohioans can apply for unemployment online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at unemployment.ohio.gov. It’s also possible to file by phone at (1-877-644-6562) or TTY at (888) 642-8203, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Employers with questions should email UCTech@jfs.ohio.gov.
• For information on one-time liquor buy backs for restaurants and bars, visit OhioLiquorInfo@Com.Ohio.gov or call (877)-812-0013.
• Governor DeWine’s administration is working with the U.S. Small Business Administration to help Ohio qualify for the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, which provides low-interest loans to affected businesses. For more information visit, https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.
• The Small Business Administration Disaster Relief has a three-step process for funding/loan assistance, learn more here. For additional help call (800)-659-2955 or email DisasterCustomerService@sba.gov.
• For help and resources from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, visit https://mha.ohio.gov/Health-Professionals/About-Mental-Health-and-Addiction-Treatment/Emergency-Preparedness/Coronavirus.
• For the latest COVID-19 information, prevention information and other resources please visit the Ohio Department of Health’s website https://coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634).

These are strange and challenging times that we are currently living in. This situation is unlike any that we have seen in our lifetimes. Rest assured that our lives will return to normal soon and this is only temporary.

Although the Senate is working from home at this time, we are monitoring phones and email constantly. Any constituent needing assistance, especially urgent assistance, should call me at 614-466-8076 or email me at sd20@ohiosenate.gov to seek help