Sykes Votes to Release Federal Funds for COVID-19 Response
April 13, 2020
Vernon Sykes News
Today, state Senator Dr. Vernon Sykes (D-Akron) supported the decision by the Ohio Controlling Board to appropriate more than $200 million in federal funds to a number of state departments to aid in the unprecedented fight against COVID-19.
“The action we took today will allow many local agencies to ease the burden of this difficult time,” said Sykes, who is a member of the Controlling Board. “But it is important that the board continues to meet to address the urgent needs of Ohioans. We know that our food banks have expressed the need for additional flexible funds to serve those most affected by the pandemic, so I hope that we will continue to work to support our community partners.”
Items approved today include funding to the Ohio Department of Education for reimbursement to schools and community organizations for summer food programs to children, to the Department of Jobs and Family Services for use by the county agencies, and to the Office of Budget and Management for medical response. This response includes funding for ventilators, masks, testing, National Guard mobilization and county Emergency Management Agencies. It will be procured by the Department of Administrative Services, the Adjutant General, the Ohio Department of Health and the Department of Public Safety.
Today’s Controlling Board meeting was historic, as it was the first time its members met remotely.
“The action we took today will allow many local agencies to ease the burden of this difficult time,” said Sykes, who is a member of the Controlling Board. “But it is important that the board continues to meet to address the urgent needs of Ohioans. We know that our food banks have expressed the need for additional flexible funds to serve those most affected by the pandemic, so I hope that we will continue to work to support our community partners.”
Items approved today include funding to the Ohio Department of Education for reimbursement to schools and community organizations for summer food programs to children, to the Department of Jobs and Family Services for use by the county agencies, and to the Office of Budget and Management for medical response. This response includes funding for ventilators, masks, testing, National Guard mobilization and county Emergency Management Agencies. It will be procured by the Department of Administrative Services, the Adjutant General, the Ohio Department of Health and the Department of Public Safety.
Today’s Controlling Board meeting was historic, as it was the first time its members met remotely.