Ohio’s participation in the federal COVID-19 program that pays unemployed individuals an extra $300 a week is up in the air after a state appeals court this week provided a partial win to a group trying to force the state to resume the additional welfare benefits. (Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states.) The Tenth District Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas “abused its discretion” when it rejected the case to restart the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program in Ohio. The case now goes back to the county court. Meanwhile, Attorney General Dave Yost is asking the Supreme Court of Ohio to reverse the appeals court decision. Gov. Mike DeWine ended the extra benefits in June due to the severe labor shortage. The OMA supported the governor’s decision. 8/24/2021