The American Rescue Plan is a bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Biden to help Americans who are suffering from the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It includes significant federal resources to support a strong public health response and vaccination strategy, provide direct assistance to families, and deliver resources to local governments to use in their own communities.

The American Rescue Plan created a $350 billion fund to support the public health response and economic recovery efforts by eligible state, local, territorial and tribal governments. From this fund, known as the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, every county, city and township and the state of Ohio received funding based on each jurisdiction’s population.

Franklin County will receive about $256 million in total to be used over the coming few years. Other parts of the American Rescue Plan provided additional resources for schools, healthcare providers, public health agencies, and small businesses, which will also strengthen our community’s collective response and recovery.

The portions of American Rescue Plan funding allocated directly to Franklin County government can be used flexibly to respond to local needs in the following areas:

• Decreasing the spread of the COVID-19 virus
• Replacing lost or decreased funding needed to maintain mandated, essential government services
• Supporting financial stabilization and recovery for businesses, community organizations, households and families
• Addressing systemic inequities that have contributed to the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on certain populations

The commissioners are committed to using this funding in partnership with residents, nonprofit organizations, businesses and health care providers to address short, medium, and long-term community needs in the areas of economic recovery and public health. Visit Recovery.FranklinCountyOhio.gov to learn about where this funding is being put to work for Franklin County residents and businesses.

In addition to funding provided directly to the Franklin County Commissioners to help the community respond to and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, there are many other resources for Franklin County residents and businesses in the American Rescue Plan. Here are just a few:

• The American Rescue Plan included funding and support for public health and a nationwide vaccination program. To find public health resources, learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine, and find a vaccination site near you, visit vax2normal.org
• The American Rescue Plan provided Economic Impact Payments directly to individuals and families. If you have not received your Economic Impact Payment, or didn’t get the full amount for which you are eligible from prior payments, visit irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments.
• The Child Tax Credit is available in 2021 to working families with children who either file taxes every year or sign up through an IRS non-filer website. This significant and historic relief is available to nearly all Franklin County families. To learn more about the credit, visit white.house.gov/child-tax-credit.
• If you are struggling to make your rent or utility payments, or have balances past due on rent or utilities, you may qualify for federal Emergency Rental Assistance. This assistance is available through the Franklin County Department of Job and Family Services and through Impact Community Action. Visit jfs.franklincountyohio.gov/PRC or apply.impacthopefund.org to learn more about how to apply.

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