Sen. Eklund announces additional pandemic aid

State Sen. John Eklund, RMunson Township, recently announced the state’s approval of over $87 million in additional funding for novel cornavirus-related expenses for Ohio’s K-12 schools, libraries, veterans organizations and fraud prevention.

The funds, approved by the state Controlling Board, are provided to Ohio through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. They can be used for necessary pandemic costs, including but not limited

to personal protection equipment, safety and sanitation operations, and remote learning technology.

“These funds will go a long way in ensuring that institutions vital to many vulnerable populations in Ohio can continue to operate in the midst of this pandemic,” Eklund said. “Resources like these will go to great lengths in protecting Ohioans and stopping the spread of COVID-19.”

According to the Controlling Board, the approved funding includes:

• $50 million in matching grant dollars to Ohio’s K-12 school districts for remote learning tools, including broadband communication devices, hotspots, etc.

• $18.3 million for Ohio’s libraries

• $8.75 million for Ohio’s domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers

• $4.6 million for BMV Deputy Registrar sites and State Driver’s Test centers

• $3 million for Ohio’s Congressionally-chartered veterans organizations

• $1 million for Ohio’s two veterans homes located in Sandusky and Georgetown (Brown County)

• $1 million through the Attorney General’s office to be used on COVID-19-related fraud prevention, especially as it relates to fraud targeting Ohio’s elderly population

• Additional dollars for Ohio’s 86 rest stops, operated by the Ohio Department of Transportation.

To date, the board confirms, over $1.7 billion in CARES Act funding has been approved by the General Assembly to be distributed to Ohio’s communities as they continue to battle and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about at the approved funds, visit www.ecb.ohio.gov.