Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 resources and information

March 31, 2020

Statehouse News
From the Office of Representative Allison Russo


** A Note from Representative Russo
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Dear Neighbor,

Early last week, the General Assembly passed sweeping legislation ([link removed]) to address the COVID-19 crisis, which was signed into law by the Governor on Friday. This omnibus bill (House Bill 197) prohibits utility shut-offs, waives state testing requirements, freezes EdChoice eligibility, extends voting in the primary election to April 28th, postpones the state income tax filing deadline to July 15th, and contains several other measures to aid Ohioans and local governments. This omnibus bill is a great first step, but we still have much work to do to help Ohioans during this public health and economic emergency. I am continuing to work on important legislation and with the Governor's Office and state agencies to assist constituents throughout the district.

Absentee Voting for the Primary Election Extended to April 28th
HB 197 extends the absentee voting period for the Ohio Primary Election to April 28, 2020. If you did not already cast your vote before March 17th, here are important steps to follow:
1. PRINT and fill out an absentee ballot request form online (VoteOhio.gov ([link removed]) ) OR call your county Board of Elections to be mailed a request form. If you do not have access to a printer, click here ([link removed]) for additional request instructions.
2. MAIL with your own stamp OR drop off the absentee ballot application to your county Board of Elections office. Absentee ballot requests must be received before April 25th at noon.
3. RECEIVE your absentee ballot in the mail from your county Board of Elections.
4. COMPLETE ballot and paperwork, and mail it back to your county Board of Elections. No stamp is needed.
5. POSTMARK your ballot by April 27th OR drop off the ballot at your county Board of Elections by 7:30pm on April 28th.

I am encouraging all voters to make their absentee ballot requests as soon as possible to ensure your vote is counted. Due to processing delays caused by COVID-19, please allow 3-4 days for each step involving mail service.

Ohio's Tax Filing Deadline Extended to July 15th
HB 197 also extends the 2019 State tax filing deadline to July 15, 2020 to correspond with the new 2019 Federal tax deadline.This also extends the deadline for many municipal income tax filings and collections. Please check the Ohio Department of Taxation website ([link removed]) and Regional Income Tax Agency website ([link removed]) for additional information on COVID-19 updates.

Governor DeWine Amends Order for K-12 School Closure through May 1st
On Monday, the Governor announced that the Ohio Department of Health will extend its order to keep all Ohio K-12 schools closed through through May 1, 2020. Please check with your local school district to obtain more information on how this extension will impact access to student instruction and services for district students. I am so proud of the work all of our local school districts and teachers have been doing over the last two weeks to ensure their students continue learning and remain engaged during this unprecedented time.

Additional Information and Resources
* Click here ([link removed]) for a comprehensive list of state resources for economic support.
* Click here ([link removed]) to file for Ohio unemployment benefits.
* Click here ([link removed]) to apply for healthcare, child care, food and cash benefits.
* Ohio small businesses and nonprofits are now eligible to apply for up to a $2 million, low-interest loan through the SBA. Apply online (click here ([link removed]) ), which is recommended, or call (800) 659-2955 to have an application mailed to you.
* For older adults in Central Ohio who may need additional help during this time, please contact the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging online (click here ([link removed]) ) or by phone at (800) 589-7277 for resources.
* For Franklin County residents, click here ([link removed]) to find community resources, including food, transportation, utility information and more.

My office is always available to provide assistance to constituents who are navigating local, state and federal resources. Additionally, my social media pages will continue to provide regular COVID-19 updates and information as they becomes available. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any questions or concerns. We are all in this together!

COVID-19 Hotline
Have questions about COVID-19?
Call: 833-427-5634
Or visit: coronavirus.ohio.gov ([link removed])

Symptoms
Know the differences between the symptoms for a cold/allergies, the flu, and coronavirus.

Allergies/Cold:
Itchy Eyes, Stuffy Nose, Sneezing

Flu or Coronavirus:
Fever, Fatigue, Body Aches, Cough, Worsening Symptoms

Coronavirus
Shortness of Breath, History of Travel, Exposure

If you are experiencing flu or coronavirus symptoms, CALL your provider first before coming into a doctor's office or emergency room.

Prevention
Follow these simple tips to keep yourself and your community healthy and safe.
* Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water several times a day. If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
* Avoid contact with people who are sick.
* Stay home while you are sick (except to visit a health care professional) and avoid close contact with others.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces each day.
* Avoid group gatherings and practice social distancing.

Stay-At-Home Order
Requires all Ohioans to stay in their homes and limit movements outside their homes beyond essential needs. The order ([link removed]) is in effect from Monday, March 23 at 11:59PM until April 6 at 11:59PM.
You Can:
* Go to the grocery store, convenience or warehouse store.
* Go to a pharmacy to pick up medication or other health care necessities.
* Go to medical appointments (call your doctor first).
* Go to a restaurant for take-out, delivery, or drive-thru.
* Care for or support a friend or family member.
* Take a walk, ride your bike, hike, jog, be in nature.
* Walk your pets and take them to the vet.
* Help someone get necessary supplies.

You Should Not:
* Go to work unless you are providing essential services as defined by this order.
* Visit family and friends if there is no urgent need.
* Maintain less than 6 feet of distance from others when you go out.

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Contact the office of Rep. Allison Russo at (614) 466-8012 or at [email protected]
Stay up-to-date at /** Russo4Ohio ([link removed])
and /** Russo4Ohio ([link removed])
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