Insider Intelligence

This week the House approved of a bill providing $465 million to support the state’s COVID-19 response, which includes $443.3 million from the state’s General Fund and $21.7 million in Federal funds. Most notably, the bill provides $220 million to temporarily extend unemployment benefits. The supplemental appropriation also provides: $55 million to provide grants of […]

In a press conference this afternoon, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced changes to restrictions that were put in place due to a spike in COVID-19 cases last month. According to the governor, the restrictions that have been in place over the last several weeks helped the state lower three key metrics, which has allowed for the […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the creation of the Protect Michigan Commission. Created by Executive Order 2020-193, the new commission is housed within the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and will help raise awareness of the safety and effectiveness of an approved COVID-19 vaccine, educate residents, and help protect the health and safety of […]

This week, three of the state’s top officials provided an update on the forthcoming COVID-19 vaccine the state anticipates receive in the coming weeks. The state’s Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun provided an update on the health aspect, including outlining the state’s goal of 70% of Michigan adults being vaccinated by the end of […]

Businesses that require social gatherings for customers and have experienced disrupted operations due to COVID-19 epidemic orders now have additional time to make their December sales, use, and withholding tax monthly payment. Effective immediately, they can postpone filing and payment requirements until January 20, 2021 and the Michigan Treasury Department will waive all penalties and […]

The Michigan COVID-19 Task Force on Racial Disparities, chaired by Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, released their interim report this week. It details a number of actions the state has taken to protect communities of color, frontline workers, and small businesses from the spread of COVID-19. From March and April to September and October, the average […]

This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed several pieces of legislation related to the state’s response to the ongoing pandemic. HB 6137 – Requires the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to publicly publish certain data regarding COVID-19 and nursing homes. HB 6293 – Codifies in law certain […]

Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan package of bills into law aiming to protect workers and businesses from the ongoing pandemic. Under the new laws, employers are required to allow workers exposed to COVID-19, or who exhibit symptoms, to stay home and prohibits retaliation against the employee. The bill also provides a minimum damages award […]