President Joe Biden on Thursday signed into law a $1.9-trillion-dollar COVID relief package. The legislation was passed by Congress this week along party lines, without a single Republican vote.
Ohio Senate president Matt Huffman (R-Lima) strongly condemned the law, the first major piece of legislation accomplished by the new Democratic-led Congress.
“It’s probably one of the most cynical and irresponsible acts by the federal government, at least that I can remember, during my lifetime," Huffman says. "The fact that we are now going to face another 6-8 months of individuals incentivized to not go back to work when employers, many people, are desperate just to get employees."
Ohio stands to get $11.2 billion from the bill with $2.2 billion going to Ohio’s cities and another $2.2 billion to its 88 counties. The package also provides enhanced unemployment benefits and direct $1,400 stimulus checks for millions of Americans.
The plan also temporarily increases the Child Tax Credit, which community advocates say could cut child poverty in half in Ohio.
What questions do you still have about COVID-19 or Ohio's response? Ask below and WOSU may answer as part of our series A Year Of COVID.
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