Ohio Sending $300M to Schools to Prepare for Return to Classrooms

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Controlling Board has approved federal funding to support the state’s efforts during the coronavirus outbreak, including $300 million for schools that will be used to improve health and safety during the upcoming school year.

“Adjusting to life with coronavirus will require a lot of changes. We must do everything we can to keep Ohioans safe while expanding opportunities for learning. These are much needed resources for our students and staff,” said state Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, in a statement announcing the funding.

The funding was provided to the state through the coronavirus relief bill passed by Congress in the spring. Among the funding is $200 million for the Ohio Department of Higher Education, $100 million for the Department of Education and $169.6 million for the Department of Medicaid.

Other funding includes $36.8 million for local health departments, $63.5 million for the Ohio Department of Health, $15.7 million for the Department of Public Safety and $3 million for the Department of Natural Resources.

The Controlling Board also approved the released of $62 million for hospitals serving rural or underserved communities, $22.5 million for behavioral health-care providers, $10 million for a loan program to aid small businesses and $517,000 for the Ohio Arts Council.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.