(The Center Square) – Following a court ruling, Ohio Democrats are pushing Republican Gov. Mike DeWine to distribute nearly $1 billion in federal COVID-19 unemployment funds.
A Franklin County judge recently ruled that the state must reinstate its participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation fund and receive nearly $900 million that the state forfeited when DeWine decided to end the program in June 2021.
Between December 27, 2020, and September 6, 2021, the program provided unemployed people with an additional $300 per week. DeWine claimed the program was discouraging Ohioans from returning to work.
Twenty-four other states have also opted out of the program.
In 2021, a Franklin County judge ruled in favor of the state, but an appeals court overturned it. By the time the case reached the Ohio Supreme Court, the benefits had expired, and the court declared the case moot.
In 2024, Franklin County Judge Michael Holbrook allowed plaintiffs to file an amended claim. This week, Holbrook ruled that the state violated state law and ordered it to “take all necessary” steps to obtain and distribute the funds to those who qualify.
Lawmakers have urged DeWine not to appeal the decisions and distribute the funds.
“These are dollars that belong in Ohio communities, helping families make ends meet and stimulating local economies, not left sitting in Washington while Ohioans struggle,” according to Rep. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood. “Families and small businesses today are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and these funds will help bring needed relief.”
In a letter to DeWine, Senate Democrats cited rising inflation and low job growth as key reasons for the additional funding.
With the cost of living at an all-time high, inflation on the rise, and the job market slowing with fewer jobs added than expected, now is the time to help Ohio’s workers in limbo by providing them with temporary assistance while they look for work,” the letter reads.
Give it to the seniors who are really hurting