COVID-19 Funding Headed to the Governor

Liz Gullett

Mar 05, 2021

This week the Senate passed two House bills appropriating approximately $4.25 billion of funding to aid the state’s response to the ongoing pandemic. While Governor Gretchen Whitmer called on the legislature to appropriate all federal funding the state has received, this package only utilizes a portion of the federal funds available. There are a few controversial aspects of the plan, including limiting emergency health orders to 28-days and having local health departments make the decision on if local schools should be closed. These items have not been supported by the governor.

Aspects of the bills include:

- $135 million for a voluntary K-8 summer school program, including $1,000 incentives for participating teachers, $250 incentives for participating staff, and up to $250 to help families cover associated costs
- $600 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding
- $426 million to fund a grant program to help businesses impacted by COVID-19
- $2.25/hour wage increase for direct care workers through September
- Funding for vaccines and testing

The House approved of the changes made by the Senate. The bills will be sent to Governor Whitmer for her consideration.

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