Ohio Connects - April 2025

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OHconnect

April 17, 2025


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Message from OBM Director Kimberly Murnieks

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In-Demand Jobs Week is May 5–9, offering local leaders a unique opportunity to help build Ohio’s future workforce. This year’s theme is "Get in the Game – Take Charge of Our Future," encouraging students and job seekers to explore pathways to rewarding careers. 

Local governments are encouraged to get involved by hosting events, collaborating with businesses and schools, and promoting Ohio’s in-demand career fields. An interactive map listing all statewide events is available at Top Jobs.Ohio.gov, where you can also submit your own event. 

For questions or planning assistance, please contact In-Demand Jobs. Together, we can help Ohioans take charge of their futures. 

If you are looking for help connecting to, or navigating through state resources, please contact us.


In-Demand Jobs Week is the statewide celebration of the jobs, industries, and skills that are in demand in Ohio.

Women in technology

U.S. Treasury to Increase Monitoring of Coronavirus Recovery Funds 

The U.S. Treasury announced on March 25 that it will step up oversight of how recipients used Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds before the December 31, 2024, deadline to obligate funds. 

The U.S. Treasury plans to recoup funds that are not properly obligated or spent according to federal rules. Officials said they will increase compliance checks and require recipients to support their reported obligations with clear documentation. To gather this information, the U.S. Treasury will issue Information Document Requests (IDRs) through the U.S. Treasury Portal. 

Recipients should review their spending plans, confirm that obligations meet program requirements, and prepare to respond to the U.S. Treasury. 

In addition to increased monitoring, the U.S. Treasury reminds local governments that the next reporting deadline is approaching. 

The U.S. Treasury’s reporting portal is now open. All local governments that report once per year, including non-entitlement units of local government, must submit reports by April 30. 

To make the process easier, helpful resources, videos, and guides are available on the U.S. Treasury’s YouTube channel and on the Reporting and Compliance webpage. 

Spotlight on Grants

Road safety

Safe Streets and Roads Funding Opportunity

The U.S. Department of Transportation is offering over $982 million in grants through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program to help prevent roadway deaths and injuries. 

There are two types of grants: 

  • Planning and Demonstration Grants to create or update an Action Plan. 
  • Implementation Grants to carry out projects based on an existing Action Plan. 

Eligible applicants include Metropolitan Planning Organizations, local and tribal governments, and multijurisdictional groups of these entities. Implementation Grant applicants must also manage roads, have roadway safety responsibilities, or have an agreement with the road agency. 

Applications are due by June 26, 2025, at 5 p.m. Full details are available on Grants.gov. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation will host webinars to explain this year’s Notice of Funding Opportunity. Visit the SS4A Webinar Series page for dates and details. 


Have a grant question? Contact us at grants.ohio.gov


Uniform Guidance Revisions

Uniform Guidance Revisions:
Internal Controls 

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released updates to the Uniform Guidance, effective for new or changed awards starting October 1, 2024. 

While the changes are not major, there are important updates that federal grant managers should include in their policies and procedures. More details, including edit lists, change spreadsheets, and guides, are available on the Council on Federal Financial Assistance website. 

 

This month Ohio Connects is highlighting Internal Controls. 

  • Internal controls must now be documented (2 CFR 200.303). 
  • New rules require reasonable cybersecurity protections to safeguard information, including personally identifiable information (PII). 

Stay tuned for more Uniform Guidance updates in next month’s newsletter! 


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Closes Two Cost Allocation Field Offices 

On April 1, 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services officially closed two of the four Cost Allocation Services field offices that review, negotiate and issue rate agreements for grantees receiving federal grants. The two offices that were closed are the Northeastern (New York) and Western (San Francisco) Field Offices. HHS will consolidate operations to the Mid-Atlantic (Bethesda) and Central States (Dallas) field offices.

Cost Allocation Services is instructing states to submit rate proposals and allocation plans to the HHS ICAS Customer Portal.  Cost Allocation Services is in the process of refreshing its Contact Us page with updated field offices and point of contacts for states and territories. It is important to check this page before any future submissions.


America 250-Ohio

Celebrate America's 250th with Two Lights for Tomorrow at the Ohio Statehouse 

Two Lights for Tomorrow

The Ohio Statehouse and America 250-Ohio are proud to join the national Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative to commemorate Paul Revere’s famed coded message on April 18, 1775, warning that the British were coming by sea, initiating the Revolutionary War, as related in the famous poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Public buildings, courthouses, community centers — and even private homes — are invited to light up in honor of this historic milestone.  

Two Lights for Tomorrow marks the beginning of a year-long celebration recognizing 250 years of American history, progress and service.

On Saturday, April 19 — the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord — communities, groups and individuals are encouraged to participate in a Day of Service, reflecting the spirit of unity and volunteerism that defines our nation. Service project ideas and resources are available through ServeOhio.

America250

Advanced Driver Training for Teens this Summer

The Ohio Traffic Safety Office, a division of the Department of Public Safety, announced the return of free Advanced Driver Training summer series. These classes teach teen drivers crash avoidance techniques and helps them gain experience to become safer drivers. View the calendar and register: Advanced Driver Training  #DollarsandData

Traffic Safety Advanced Driver Training for Teens

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