Brown Talking with Ohio Health Officials as he Works to Keep Ohioans Safe, Healthy

WASHINGTON, D.C. –This week, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) hosted a news conference call as he speaks with Ohio health officials around Ohio and works to address concerns with coronavirus and keep Ohioans healthy and safe. Brown wants to hear from Ohio officials on the needs of local communities and how his office can be helpful in getting state and local officials the resources they need. 

“I’m listening to Ohio communities and working to get them what they need, as we work on another federal response package. Last week we passed an $8.3 billion bill that includes at least $15 million in immediate funding for Ohio, including local health departments, with the option to apply for more,” said Brown.

Brown has introduced legislation and pushed for action from Congress to help Ohioans during the coronavirus pandemic.

Since it passed early Saturday morning, Brown has been calling on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to pass the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The package includes emergency paid sick days language and provisions that would establish free testing for coronavirus, provide additional resources to states to help address coronavirus, invest in frontline health workers and strengthen food assistance benefits for Ohio children and families and seniors.

Brown has also introduced emergency paid sick days legislation to provide paid sick days immediately to Ohio workers in light of the coronavirus crisis, and in preparation for future public health emergencies. Brown has also introduced emergency paid sick days legislation to provide paid sick days immediately to Ohio workers in light of the coronavirus crisis, and in preparation for future public health emergencies.  

He has also introduced legislation to ensure that testing for COVID-19 is free for Ohioans who get tested, and has written to the Trump Administration urging them to invoke authorities to ramp up manufacturing of necessary supplies, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.

After President Trump said he took “no responsibility” for disbanding the National Security Council (NSC) office in charge of preparing for potential outbreaks – the Global Health Security unit – and denied he disbanded the office in 2018, Brown is demanding answers from the President following these false claims.

Earlier this month, Brown helped pass a $8.3 billion Supplemental Coronavirus Spending Bill that President Trump signed into law that includes at least $15.6 million in immediate funding to help Ohio prepare for the coronavirus. 

Brown worked with his colleagues to ensure Ohio and local communities around the state have the funding they need to prevent and manage any potential cases of the coronavirus. The final package includes $8.3 billion in total funding, with $7.8 billion for immediate help to combat the coronavirus, and an additional $500 million authorization to enhance telehealth services.

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