(The Center Square) – A Franklin County judge paused his order that would have sent $900 million in COVID-19 unemployment funds to Ohioans while the state appeals the earlier decision.
A little more than a week ago, Judge Michael Holbrook ruled the state owes Ohioans nearly $900 million in additional unemployment funds related to the pandemic. Holbrook put the ruling on hold this week, allowing the state to appeal.
His earlier ruling said the state must reinstate its participation in the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation fund and get nearly $900 million the state passed on when Gov. Mike DeWine decided to stop the program in June 2021.
The program offered an extra $300 per week to those unemployed between Dec. 27, 2020, and Sept. 6, 2021. DeWine said the program was discouraging Ohioans from returning to work.
Twenty-four other states also opted out of the program.
Holbrook originally ordered DeWine to “take all action necessary” to secure additional unemployment money.
State lawmakers had urged DeWine not to appeal the ruling.
“These are dollars that belong in Ohio communities, helping families make ends meet and stimulating local economies, not left sitting in Washington while Ohioans struggle,” said Rep. Tristan Rader, D-Lakewood. “Families and small businesses today are still feeling the impact of the pandemic and these funds will help bring needed relief.”
In a letter to DeWine, Senate Democrats pointed to rising inflation and few job expectations as key needs for the additional funds.
“With the cost of living at an all-time high, inflation on the rise, and the job market slowing down with fewer jobs than expected being added to the economy, now is the time to support Ohio’s workers in limbo by offering them temporary assistance during their job searches,” the letter reads.