COLUMBUS — The state on Tuesday sent out the first round of checks to repay families across Ohio who had child support improperly withheld, but many Greater Cincinnati families will have to wait until August — maybe longer — to get their cash.

        The $38 million in old payments, plus another $6 million in interest, was owed after Ohio held support payments for welfare assistance from 1997 through 2000 despite a 1996 federal law banning the practice.

        Gov. Bob Taft issued an executive order in August giving the state 18 months to repay the money.

        On Tuesday, eight months later, the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services released 141 checks worth $41,140 to residents of Fairfield and Pickaway counties.

        Carrie Davis, Hamilton County Coordinator for the Association for Children for the Enforcement of Support Inc., said there's a striking similarity to late child support payments.

        “I personally think the state of Ohio is experiencing all the problems it has with deadbeat parents,” Ms. Davis said. The first checks should start arriving to Clermont County residents in the middle of May. Officials say 1,200-1,500 cases will be reviewed there. Checks will arrive in Warren County at the beginning of June.

        Hamilton County will be second among the final eight counties to enter data into the computer. Officials say 48,000 cases should be entered by July 19. The state will issue the first checks to county residents at the end of August.

        Butler County will follow. Officials say 6,000 support cases will be reviewed starting mid-July.

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