Senator Helped Secure Funding for Ohio in Coronavirus Spending Package, Calling for Paid Sick Days Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. –This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) will hold conference calls with Ohio health officials around the state as he works to address concerns with coronavirus and keep Ohioans healthy and safe. Brown wants to hear from Ohio officials on the needs of local communities and how his office can be helpful in getting state and local officials the resources they need.
“As Ohio communities continue working to keep residents safe and healthy, I want to hear the concerns of local officials and do all I can to be helpful,” Brown said. “My highest priority is the well-being of Ohioans, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress to get Ohioans the resources they need as we continue working to slow the spread of the coronavirus and keep Ohioans safe.”
Earlier this month, Brown helped pass a $8.3 billion Supplemental Coronavirus Spending Bill that President Trump signed into law that includes at least $15.6 million in immediate funding to help Ohio prepare for the coronavirus.
Brown worked with his colleagues to ensure Ohio and local communities around the state have the funding they need to prevent and manage any potential cases of the coronavirus. The final package includes $8.3 billion in total funding, with $7.8 billion for immediate help to combat the coronavirus and an additional $500 million authorization to enhance telehealth services.
Brown also introduced new, emergency paid sick days legislation, the Paid Sick Days for Public Health Emergencies and Personal Family Care Act, to provide paid sick days immediately to Ohio workers in light of the coronavirus crisis, and in preparation for future public health emergencies.
The bill requires all employers to allow workers to accrue seven days of paid sick days and to provide an additional 14 days available immediately in the event of any public health emergency, including the current coronavirus crisis.