Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signs $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 aid funding

LANSING, Mich. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer funded at least $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 emergency response.

The legislation supports Whitmer’s COVID-19 recovery planincluding a $ 2.25 hourly pay increase for direct caregivers, $ 283 million in federal emergency relief, to $ 110 million for vaccine administration and up to $ 555 million for testing and detection, state officials said.

“I think the great news is that we have gotten some of the federal funding available to us, including passing on two of my major proposals to provide a pay rise for direct caregivers and more funding to support vaccinations. Michiganders are 50 or older, “Whitmer said.” The reality, however, 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. ”

Advertisement

The $ 2.25 hourly wage increase for direct caregivers will be in effect through September, according to the Associated Press. At the end of February, a $ 2 increase ended.

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

The governor also vetoed House Bill 4049. The bill would require her to relinquish the power of the state health service 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 ensure that we work together to ensure that we maximize every penny available,” Whitmer said. “There were problems with the bills that I had to veto, and I expect the legislature will act to establish 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 the state’s vaccine and testing programs, and $ 2.1 billion for schools. She is asking the legislature to return to the table to fully appropriate the unused federal funds.

Advertisement

“We are on track to recovery and improving our key metrics and numbers, but we need to put the rest of the available federal funding to work, much of which is intended to help businesses and advance their recovery,” said Whitmer. “The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and I thank every Michigander who did his part in the response to the pandemic.”

She also proposed allocating $ 622 million in full towards rent and utility assistance. The legislature foresaw $ 283 million.

Whitmer also suggested fully allocating $ 2.7 billion to help residents feed their families. The legislature provided for $ 600 million. Michiganders can apply for food aid by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges.

“The legislature tried to ban the spending of funds for vaccine distribution and return to school unless the governor signs legislation that removes the powers of the executive,” said David Massaron, director of the state budget. “Instead of these political games, we should instead focus on how we can help companies and individuals most affected by the pandemic. Vetos were necessary and now we must collectively focus on how best to get resources out the door to hasten our recovery from the pandemic. “

Advertisement

Whitmer and the Republican legislature have been sparring for months over federal aid money, with the governor calling on lawmakers to negotiate at weekly press conferences.

The state has seen his COVID-19 number plate in the past week after they have been declining steadily throughout winter. Michigan statistics have reached that point made it possible for different segments of the economy to be re-involved