Treasury sends $12B in COVID-19 relief to Ohio governments

From wire and staff reports

COLUMBUS — The Treasury Department said Monday that Ohio will receive nearly $5.4 billion in aid as part of Democratic President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief package, with another $6.6 billion going directly to counties, cities and townships.

Coping With Coronavirus: Information on vaccinations, the latest data, helpful advice for parents, and links to resources for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Ohio

It’s part of the $350 billion program created under the American Rescue Plan to help state and local governments and boost a national economy hard hit by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Governments can use the money for relief from the public health crisis, as well as to offset harm to workers, small businesses and affected industries from the crisis, among other purposes.

Meanwile, Gov. Mike DeWine Monday signed COVID-19 relief legislation that will deliver $465 million in direct aid for rent and utility assistance.

The bill also includes $100 million for federal disaster assistance.

The funds were provided by the CARES Act, passed by Congress 14 months ago, as well as the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, which passed in December.