The state Controlling Board today approved further aid in Ohio’s response to the health and economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to figures announced by Ohio Rep. Michele Lepore-Hagan, D-Youngstown, the Controlling Board approved use of federal CARES Act funds for the following items:

• $38 million to the Ohio Dept. of Public Safety to aid state pandemic response efforts;

• $30 million to create the “COVID-19 Indoor Air Quality Assistance Grant” that will allow Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) assessments and HVAC system/indoor air quality upgrades to occur at eligible non-profit or for-profit non-governmental nursing homes, assisted living centers, adult day cares;

• $7 million to the Ohio National Guard to continue its support of statewide efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic;

• $1.2 million to the Center for Science and Industry (COSI) to support the Distance Learning Initiative; and

• $1.2 million to the Ohio Department of Commerce to purchase technology needed for its 900 employees to effectively tele-work during the pandemic.