Rep. Edwards Secures Funding for South East Ohio

Rep. Edwards Secures Funding for South East Ohio

COLUMBUS, Ohio – State Representative Jay Edwards has announced the Ohio House has approved an additional $11 million in funding to help local communities hit by flooding over the last 18 months.

The funding is part of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation budget, House Bill 80, that was approved Wednesday.

Edwards (R-Nelsonville) authored the amendment to provide the additional funding to support 25 Southeast Ohio counties that had received state and federal disaster declarations as a result of the flooding. Impacted counties include Athens, Meigs, Vinton and Washington.

“I appreciate all of the work our local officials have done in the aftermath of these storms and am committed to making sure the state is doing its part to support our communities,” Edwards said.

Among the other highlights included in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation budget is a provision to support our first responders.

Currently, peace officers, fire fighters and emergency medical workers can receive BWC benefits or compensation for post-traumatic stress disorder, but only if it’s accompanied by a physical injury. The measure approved Wednesday allows these first responders to receive the support they need for PTSD, even if there is no physical injury.

“Our first responders work in dangerous, high-stress situations, and this legislation recognizes the important work they do for all of us,” Edwards said.
The legislation now goes to the Ohio Senate for additional consideration.