WASHINGTON, D.C. - One year ago, the American Rescue Plan Act was signed into law. Now one year later, Valley Congressman Tim Ryan reflected on how this legislation has impacted Ohio throughout the year.

Ryan highlighted how the legislation has rebuilt Ohio Communities, invested in working people, helped keep small businesses afloat and supported first responders and others on the front lines.

However, Ryan said that with costs going up, Ohio's work is far from over.

"I'm calling on Congress to pass legislation that would bring some relief to working people who should not be left to bear the brunt of inflation, including permanently restoring our Child Tax Credit, suspending the gas tax and delivering a break for our small business owners who were already struggling before this pandemic," Ryan said.

Currently the American Rescue Plan has deployed billions in funds to help Ohio contain COVID-19 and build a strong, sustainable economic recovery including:

- Over $5 billion for Ohio's state and local governments, helping to preserve services, scale up testing, distribute vaccines and keep essential workers on the job.

- Over $4 billion for Ohio's schools to help students return safely to in-person learning.

- $1,400 relief checks delivered to over 6 million Ohioans.

- Over $613 million in emergency rental assistance for Ohioans, keeping a roof over working families' heads.

- Over $1 billion in child care funds for Ohioans helping early childhood educators and family child care providers keep their doors open.

- $1.2 billion supporting Ohio colleagues and universities including $126 million for colleges and universities in Ohio's 13th District.