'Ohio Needs Coronavirus Financial Relief,' Gov. DeWine Says

COLUMBUS, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine is urging Congress to pass additional COVID-19 relief.

DeWine issued a statement on Monday morning calling for a bipartisan package to be negotiated and passed through the U.S. House and Senate. The governor said Ohio's surge of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations has damaged the state economy.

"Many vital CARES Act programs have already run out, and more are set to expire before the end of the year. Ohio’s workers, families, small businesses and industries, health care professionals, schools and children are struggling. Additional substantial aid is essential," DeWine said.

Congress has been debating, and killing, proposed COVID-19 relief packages for months. The most recent proposal would not provide any economic relief through direct payments to Americans, but would provide an extra $300 in federal weekly unemployment benefits.

President-elect Joe Biden has expressed hope that additional $1,200 stimulus checks would be sent to Americans. DeWine is similarly hoping for additional aid for Ohioans.

"Continued investment will not only allow us to dampen the economic fallout in Ohio and slow a potential recession in the coming years, but ultimately, it will also help our citizens to return to normal when the pandemic ends," DeWine said.