Mansfield Times

COLUMBUS - State Representative Jessica E. Miranda (D-Forest Park) has announced that the Controlling Board has approved the release of $2 million in remaining Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding. This funding will be allocated to Ohio's domestic violence shelters, law enforcement agencies, and other non-profit organizations to provide them with additional resources.

In a statement, Rep. Miranda expressed her satisfaction with the allocation of funds, saying, "It was important to me that the Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding went to an important cause. I am pleased to see that it is going to places where it can make a tangible impact. Providing resources for survivors of domestic violence and funding for shelters will change lives and save lives."

The Controlling Board has also approved $1.6 million to be used for Ohio Peace Officer Training. These additional funds will support the training program by covering the costs of staff and necessary resources. The recent state operating budget has allowed law enforcement officers to be reimbursed for up to 40 hours of professional education. The increase in funds for fiscal year 2024 will enable law enforcement agencies to receive reimbursements for their officers' continued professional training.

Furthermore, the Controlling Board has approved several other important allocations of funds. These include:

- $1.8 million for the Ohio Department of Health's Bureau of Maternal and Infant Vitality. This funding will contribute to efforts aimed at lowering the black infant mortality rate and implementing preventative measures to reduce tobacco use among mothers.

- $1.3 million for research focused on technology to improve employee safety in work zones at the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). With a significant number of accidents occurring in Ohio work zones, this investment in employee safety will provide funding for the development of life-saving technology.

- $1 million for the Department of Veterans Services to secure temporary nursing resources for Ohio Veterans Homes. This funding increase will enable the department to contract with a private nursing agency to fill vacant positions in many Ohio Veterans Homes, thereby addressing the ongoing nursing shortage.

- $889,500 to help communities with limited access to medical care establish school-based health centers. These funds will support the Ohio School-Based Health Center Alliance in its mission to remove barriers to healthcare by implementing health centers in or near schools.

These allocations of funds aim to support various critical areas across Ohio, including domestic violence shelters, law enforcement training, maternal and infant health, employee safety, veteran care, and access to healthcare in underserved communities. The funding will undoubtedly have a significant and positive impact on the lives of Ohioans in need.

This announcement reflects the commitment of Rep. Miranda and the Controlling Board to address urgent issues and provide necessary resources to improve the well-being of communities throughout Ohio.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/darrell-kick/news/rep-miranda-announces-funding-for-domestic-violence-shelters-law-enforcement-agencies-and-other-non-profits-across-ohio-117002