State Representative Michele Lepore-Hagan (D-Youngstown) and House Democrats Monday announced the approval of funds by the state Controlling Board to further aid Ohio's response to the health and economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The numbers coming out of the Governor's office today and words from our regional medical leaders paint a scary picture about where we are in the fight against COVID-19. These resources will continue to help the state in its response," said Rep. Lepore-Hagan.

The Controlling Board Monday approved the use of federal CARES Act funds for the following items:

· $38 million to the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety to aid state pandemic response efforts;

· $30 million to create the "COVID-19 Indoor Air Quality Assistance Grant" that will allow Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) assessments and HVAC system/indoor air quality upgrades to occur at eligible non-profit or for-profit non-governmental nursing homes, assisted living centers, adult daycares;

· $7 million to the Ohio National Guard to continue its support of statewide efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic;

· $1.2 million to the Center for Science and Industry (COSI) to support the Distance Learning Initiative;

· $1.2 million to the Ohio Department of Commerce to purchase the technology needed for its 900 employees to effectively tele-work during the pandemic.