by Todd DeFeo The House Finance Committee will consider a trio of bills when it meets this week, including a measure to allocate $350 million of federal dollars to communities across the state. The hearing comes as state lawmakers resume business – even if in a limited capacity – amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawmakers will consider Senate Bill 310, which the state Senate unanimously passed last week. The bill authorizes the distribution of $350 million of federal dollars allocated by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for expenses stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. “The re-opening of Ohio’s economy requires many moving parts. An important part is assuring local governments have the resources to maintain safe and crucial operations,” state Sen. Matt Dolan, R-Chagrin Falls, said in a news release. “Senate Bill 310 directs much-needed funds to counties and local governments for the reimbursement and expenditures of significant medical, public health and safety operations as they battle this pandemic on the front lines.” The funding would be distributed based on Local Government Fund revenues allocated in 2019. It excludes Ohio’s six jurisdictions with populations of more than 500,000 residents – Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Montgomery and Summit counties…
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