OHIO — The Ohio House Democratic Caucus has sent a letter to Governor Mike DeWine and Attorney General Dave Yost, urging them not to appeal a recent court ruling that found DeWine violated state law in 2021 by refusing to accept $900 million in federal unemployment funds during the pandemic.
The ruling, issued by Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Holbrook, could allow 300,000 Ohio families to receive financial support if not appealed and if the funds are distributed.
“Though the emergency of the pandemic has ended and funds should have been received back in 2021, these funds can still provide meaningful support for Ohio families. Distribution today means extra money available to Ohioans to weather the high cost of living, rising inflation, and the slowing job market. Such additional household spending will also aid local communities and Ohio’s economy,” wrote House Democrats.
Approximately 320,000 people joined a class action lawsuit seeking the benefits denied in 2021.
During the height of the pandemic, $3,000 per person could have provided crucial relief to struggling Ohioans—and Democrats argue it still can today.
