COLUMBUS — On Monday the Ohio Controlling Board accepted an emergency funding plan developed by Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) to assist families in four Ohio counties hit with devastating floods since August 10.
The Controlling Board released $500,000 for emergency disaster assistance in Franklin, Morgan, Muskingum, and Perry Counties.
“I am proud to advocate for this key funding for my district and other counties, and I am happy to see these critical dollars going to help our families in crisis,” Schaffer said. “This funding will go a long way toward assisting families in Perry and the other counties to get back on their feet and on the road to recovery.”
“I want to thank my colleagues who represent the affected counties for their advocacy and support in this emergency response plan, including Senator Al Landis, Senator Brian Chavez, Senator Shane Wilkin, Representative Mark Johnson, Representative Kevin Miller, Representative Adam Holmes, and Representative Ty Moore.”
The emergency funding plan, which will be managed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), will send funding to the four counties’ local job and family services offices to begin reimbursing up to $750-$1,500 in emergency expenses to individuals and families in affected areas. The funds are restricted for those who have suffered large-scale losses, are senior citizens or families with children, and earn less than 300% of the poverty line.
This funding is effective until a federal emergency disaster declaration is signed by President Donald Trump. After the President’s action, FEMA funding will take over.
“I also want to thank Governor Mike DeWine, Ohio EMA Executive Director Sima Merick, and ODJFS Director Matt Damschroder for their quick response to this disaster and overwhelming support of the people of Perry County through this difficult time,” Schaffer said. “Additionally, I want to thank our local first responders, elected officials, emergency management agency personnel, and Chasity Schmelzenbach from Buckeye Hills Regional Council who have served our residents so well during these devastating storm events and floods.”
“Today’s vote helps assure that assistance will be going out to these families and individuals in need,” Schaffer added. “I urge the DeWine administration to act quickly to get this much needed funding out as soon as possible.”
For more information, please visit the state Controlling Board website at https://obm.ohio.gov/controlling-board.
