A Note from Representative Russo

Dear Neighbor, 

By now, many of you are aware of the recent order by the Ohio Department of Health closing all bars and restaurants to dine-in services as of 9:00 PM last night. While this was a tough decision and will have a substantial impact on small business owners, their staff, and Ohio families, it was a necessary step to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 during this critical time. Carryout and delivery options are still allowed and encouraged, and I urge you to support these businesses during this time as much as your family budget and circumstances allow.

I also want to pass along important information and resources that may be helpful to those constituents and businesses impacted by recent COVID-19 actions. I will continue to provide regular updates on these resources as they become available.
 
* An executive order issued by Governor DeWine expands flexibility for Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits during Ohio's emergency declaration period. Unemployment benefits will be available for eligible individuals who are requested by a medical professional, local health authority, or employer to be isolated or quarantined as a consequence of COVID-19, even if they are not actually diagnosed with COVID-19. In addition, the waiting period for eligible Ohioans to receive unemployment benefits will be waived. You can apply online at http://unemployment.ohio.gov, 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, or call 1-877-644-6562 Monday-Friday 8 AM-5 PM.

* The Ohio Development Services Agency is working to submit necessary information to qualify the state for the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loan program. This program will enable small businesses impacted by COVID-19 to apply for low-interest loans up to $2 million dollars. Non-profit organizations are also eligible. Small business owners who have been impacted should send their contact information to [email protected].

* Bar and restaurant owners affected by COVID-19 can return high-proof liquor products purchased within the past 30 days. This courtesy also extends to those who may have obtained a temporary permit for an event scheduled between March 12th and April 16th if that event is now cancelled. For questions regarding the one-time high-proof liquor buy back, please contact the Liquor Enterprise Service Center at 877-812-0013 or [email protected].

There is much more that still needs to be done to relieve the negative impact this pandemic will have on Ohio's economy and families. I've joined my Ohio House Democratic colleagues in calling on the General Assembly and the Governor to act immediately in suspending state-mandated school testing and enacting measures like emergency paid family and medical leave, especially for hourly workers and those who are now staying at home to care for their kids. I have also asked the Director of Job and Family Services to automatically redetermine SNAP, TANF, and medical benefits to remove barriers to these essential services and slow the spread COVID-19 during this emergency period.

Please take precautions to keep yourself healthy, and do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns. We are all in this together, and I know we will get through this challenging time better and stronger as a community.