TAFT ADDS THREE MORE COUNTIES TO EMERGENCY DECLARATION
State resources and assistance now available to five counties

COLUMBUS (June 26, 2006 ) - Governor Bob Taft today issued emergency declarations for Cuyahoga, Lucas and Stark counties due to severe storms, flooding and high winds which swept through northern Ohio June 21 and 22, 2006.Residents of these counties are now eligible for state assistance. Today's announcement follows Taft's June 24, 2006 emergency declarations for Erie and Huron Counties.

Based upon the level of damage caused by last week's severe storms, high winds and flooding, I am offering the resources of the state to support local response and recovery efforts in five northern Ohio counties," said Taft. "We will work with affected communities to return life back to normal as soon as possible."

As a result of the Governor's emergency proclamation, disaster assistance is available for residents of the declared counties through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Families in these counties may qualify for up to $1,500 in disaster assistance, and certain elderly and disabled individuals may qualify for up to $750 in disaster assistance. Individuals and families may apply for this assistance at their local county department of job and family services.

In order to be eligible for up to $1,500 in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) disaster assistance, families must include a child or pregnant woman and have evidence of economic need. Elderly and disabled individuals in these counties who are not eligible for TANF assistance may be eligible for disaster assistance of up to $750. To be eligible for this type of assistance, a person must be at least 55 years old and childless, or receiving certain disability benefits, impacted by the severe weather and provide evidence of an economic need to the county department of Job and Family Services.

Each year, ODJFS reserves at least $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding for disaster victims in counties declared in a state of emergency.

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