House activity
The House of Representatives passed a motion to select Rep. Robert R. Cupp (R-Lima) as speaker of the House by a vote of 55-38. This followed the motion to vacate the office of speaker by a vote of 91-0 that occurred earlier in the session.
Controlling Board
The Ohio Controlling Board approved a request to use $50 million from the CARES Act’s Coronavirus Relief Fund to allow public and private schools to apply for dollar-to-dollar matching grants with the state for Wi-Fi hot spots, in-home internet and internet-enabled devices for students. Click here to read the request, which includes detailed information about the funding. Application information is forthcoming.
Governor activity
Gov. Mike DeWine announced that child care providers may return to normal statutory ratios and class sizes beginning on Aug. 9. However, the provider can choose to remain at the lower class size and ratios.
U.S. Senate
Senate Republicans introduced a stimulus bill called the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools (HEALS Act) that would provide approximately $1 trillion in funding. The bill, S.4318, contains $105 billion for schools with approximately $70 billion of that amount directed for K-12 schools. The funds will be allocated based on Title I funding. One-third of the funding that a school district receives will be distributed promptly from the state education agency. The remaining two-thirds will be released after the school district submits a school reopening plan to and receives approval from the governor. The reopening plan must provide in-person instruction for at least 50 percent of its students no less than 50 percent of each school week. The bill also contains liability language that would override current state tort liability laws.
Ohio Department of Education
The Ohio Department of Education released updated information regarding educator licensure. Click here to read the information.
Posted by Nicole Piscitani 7/31/20