A Note from Representative Russo

Dear Neighbor, 

I want to personally thank you for everything you are doing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to make sure our frontline health workers and health care system can take care of everyone who is sick. Ohio has been doing an amazing job with social distancing and flattening the curve, but every day brings new challenges for our fellow Ohioans and small businesses. While there is reason for optimism in Ohio, it is critical that all of us continue to follow the best recommendations that public health can provide. EVERYONE wants life and the economy to return to normal as quickly and safely as possible, but to get this recovery right, we must remain vigilant and methodical in plans for reopening so that we do not create a second wave of infections that is more socially and financially devastating than our current situation. There will be no quick return to our previous life, but I remain hopeful that Ohio's resilience, hard work, and ingenuity will get us through this challenging time and leave us stronger. 

K-12 Schools Will Remain Closed for the Remainder of the 2019-2020 Academic Year
On Monday, the Governor announced that the Ohio Department of Health will extend its order to keep all Ohio K-12 schools closed through the remainder of the 2019-2020 academic year. Please check with your local school district to obtain more information on how this extension will impact events and services for district students. I commend the work all of our local school officials and teachers have been doing over the last several weeks to ensure their students continue learning and remain engaged during this unprecedented time. I also want to say to those seniors in the Class of 2020 that I am so proud of the resiliency you have shown in dealing with this unexpected end to your high school experience. I hope you find a special way to celebrate with your family and friends, and please know that our whole community is cheering for your success. 

One Week Remaining to Mail-In Ballots for Ohio's Primary Election
The Ohio Primary Election was extended to April 28, 2020, but time is quickly running out to request and mail-in your ballot. 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) OR call your county Board of Elections to be mailed a request form. If you do not have access to a printer, click here 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.

Join Me This Week

• Wednesday, April 22, at 4:00pm for a virtual town hall with fellow Franklin County Representatives Erica Crawley and David Leland. You can register for the event here.
• Thursday, April 23, at 3:30pm for a virtual roundtable discussion focused on micro and small business issues. This event will be available on Facebook Live. If you are a small business owner in District 24, please reply to this email to receive additional registration information. 

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!