Sykes Applauds Signing of H. B. 168

Today, state Senator Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) attended Governor Mike DeWine’s ceremony to sign House Bill 168 into law. The bill gives Ohio businesses relief from unemployment benefits loan repayments, assists local governments with coronavirus recovery efforts, and funds improvements to water and sewer infrastructure, and pediatric behavioral health.
“This pragmatic decision to use federal funds to repay federal loans will save Ohio money on interest payments and hopefully allow us to support workers and families as they recover from the pandemic,” said Sykes. “I look forward to working with the governor to invest in Ohio families.” H. B. 168 makes the following appropriations:

• The bill repays loans received by Ohio that were used to pay unemployment benefits. The state has a current loan balance of about $1.47 billion. Loans will be repaid using amounts provided under the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
• $422 million for Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery;
• $250 million for Water and Sewer Quality Program; and
• $84 million for Pediatric Behavioral Health

“I am encouraged that the aid allocated to local governments and the water and sewer infrastructure will continue our state’s effort toward a full recovery,” said Sykes.