Ohio Governor Mike DeWine on Thursday signed a spending package to invest billions the state received from federal coronavirus funds.
House Bill 169, sponsored by State Representative Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), invests the funds in law enforcement agencies, education, and the state’s healthcare system.
Public schools throughout the state will gain $2.3 billion in funding, in addition to $155.2 million awarded to other school-types.
“It is important that we allocate this money to our children as they are the future of our state and we must always invest in that future to ensure Ohio continues to be a great place to live and raise a family,” said Cutrona when the legislation passed the House of Representatives. “Protecting and funding our law enforcement has always been a top priority of mine and I am elated to see House Bill 169 pass on the house floor ensuring those on the front lines are funded and have the proper training and equipment available to them.”
Furthermore, $1.89 billion was appropriated for “health and human services funding” in order to help critical issues, like staffing shortages, that have occurred in the industry.
$175 million will be dedicated to law enforcement agencies, targeting the recent spike in crime throughout the state. For example, the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission (OOCIC) seized approximately $42 million in illegal narcotics in 2021.
“Substitute House Bill 169 provides necessary funding for our brave men and women who protect our communities. It will also help with future Ohio budgets,” added co-sponsor State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron). “We must fund our law enforcement and first responders, this is a statement I firmly believe in and I am proud to have sponsored this legislation that will ensure those on the front lines are protected and properly funded.”
— — —
Cooper Moran is a reporter for The Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Gov. Mike DeWine Signs HB169” by Gov. Mike DeWine.
