Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funding

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has subscribed to at least $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 relief funding.

The legislation supports Whitmer COVID-19 recovery plan, including a $ 2.25 per hour wage increase for direct care workers, $ 283 million in federal emergency rental assistance, up to $ 110 million for vaccine administration and up to $ 555 million for testing and tracking, state officials said.

“I think it’s great news that we’ve managed to appropriate some of the federal funding, including the approval of two of my key proposals to provide a pay rise for direct care workers and more funding to help expand the vaccinations for Michiganders who are 50 or older, “Whitmer said.” However, the reality is that there is more work to be done and there are still billions of dollars in federal funding that we need to get out the door. to help businesses and families across the state. “

Announcements

The $ 2.25 hourly wage increase for direct care workers will be in effect until September, according to the Associated Press. A $ 2 increase expired in late February.

The Whitmer administration wants to get the remaining $ 2 billion in federal funding.

The governor also vetoed House Bill 4049. The bill would have forced him to relinquish the power of the state health department to close schools and sports and instead leave the decision to local health departments.

“The bills I received were not negotiated with me or my administration, and I continue to call on the legislature to make sure we work together to ensure we maximize every penny available,” Whitmer said. “There were issues in the bills that I had to veto and I hope the legislature will speed up to fix the bill to allocate all the money so we can get back to normal as soon as possible.”

As part of its recovery plan, Whitmer proposed $ 665 million to expand state testing and vaccination programs and $ 2.1 billion for schools. She calls on the legislature to return to the table to take full ownership of unused federal funds.

Announcements

“We are on a good path to recovery and our key metrics and figures are improving, but we need to put the rest of the available federal funding into operation, much of it to help businesses and help them recover.” , said Whitmer. “The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and I thank all the Michiganders who have done their part in responding to the pandemic.”

He also proposed allocating a total of $ 622 million to rental aid and utilities. The legislature provided $ 283 million.

Whitmer also proposed allocating a total of $ 2.7 billion to help residents feed their families. The legislature provided $ 600 million. Michiganders can apply for food assistance by going online at www.michigan.gov/MIBridges.

“The legislature tried to ban spending of funds for vaccine distribution and return to school unless the governor signs legislation that removes the powers of the executive branch,” the state budget director said. , David Massaron. “Instead of these political games, we need to focus on the best way to help the companies and individuals most affected by the pandemic. The vetoes were necessary and now we need to collectively refocus efforts on the best way to get resources to accelerate our recovery from the pandemic. ”

Announcements

Whitmer and the Republican legislature have been defending federal relief money for months, and the governor asked lawmakers to negotiate during weekly press meetings.

The state has seen its plateau of COVID-19 numbers during the past week after falling steadily throughout the winter. Michigan metrics have reached a point that it allowed to re-contract several segments of the economy.