Billions Coming to Ohio After Union Fights for Funding

To: OAPSE Members

From: Executive Director Joe Rugola

Re: Help is on the Way! American Rescue Plan Dollars Coming to Ohio and You

Date: March 26, 2021

This year has been tough on all of us, but we are starting to see the beginning of better days ahead.

I’m very proud of the work OAPSE staff and leaders have done since last March to protect your job, your pay, your benefits, your health and safety and your job security.

I’m equally proud of the work we did – in conjunction with AFSCME International in Washington, D.C. – to pass the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

Because of that work with Congress and President Biden, we secured $1.9 trillion in funding for state and local governments, public schools, libraries, Head Start agencies, community colleges and boards of developmental disabilities.

And Ohio will get $17 billion to keep our members working so we can provide these same critical services to children and the most vulnerable among us.

Take a look at the video below for details on where that money will go in our state.

And if you work in our public schools, click here to see how much ARP money your district is estimated to receive. Choose Ohio from the menu at the top left. Find your school district. The column labeled ESSER III Est. is the total amount your school district will receive. There are limitations around how the money can be spent, but you will get an idea of what is on its way to your school district budget.

Also, AFSCME has put together a series of fact sheets for jurisdictions represented by our union, including public schools, libraries, early childhood education and higher education. Click here to find them. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on your type of employer.

Thank you for your support during the difficult time of COVID-19 and always.

Take care and be safe.