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

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Government Gretchen Whitmer signed at least $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 emergency relief funding.

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

‘I think it’s good news that we are able to allocate part of the federal funding available to us, including the approval of two of my key proposals to provide a pay rise for direct caregivers and increased funding to expand vaccinations for Michiganders. 50 years or older, ”Whitmer said. “The reality, however, is that there is more work to be done and that 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.”

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According to the Associated Press, the $ 2.25 hourly wage increase for direct care workers will take effect until September. An increase of $ 2 expired at the end of February.

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

The governor is also vetoing House Act 4049. The bill would require her to relinquish the power of the state health department to close schools and sports and rather leave the decision to the local health departments.

“The bills I received were not negotiated with me or my administration, and I call on the legislature to ensure that 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 expect the legislature to act to resolve the bill to appropriate all the money so that we can be back to normal as soon as possible.”

As part of its recovery plan, Whitmer proposed $ 665 million to expand the state’s vaccination and testing programs, and $ 2.1 billion for schools. She asks the legislature to return to the table to fully apply the unused federal funds.

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“We are well on our way to recovery and improving our key statistics and numbers, but we need to put the rest of the available federal funding to work, many of which are aimed at helping businesses and helping them recover,” he said. Whitmer said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and I thank every Michigander who did their part in responding to the pandemic.”

She also proposed that $ 622 million be fully allocated for rent and assistance. The legislature provided $ 283 million.

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

“The legislature has tried to ban spending on the distribution of vaccines and return to school unless the governor signs legislation that deprives the executive of powers,” said David Massaron, director of the state budget. ‘Instead of these political games, we should rather focus on how we can best help businesses and individuals most affected by the pandemic. Vetoes were needed and now we must jointly refocus efforts on the best way to get resources out the door to expedite our recovery from the pandemic. ”

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Whitmer and the Republican Legislature have been splashing out on federal aid money for months, while the governor has called on lawmakers to negotiate during weekly press conferences.

The state saw its COVID-19 number plateau the past week after gradually declining throughout the winter. Michigan statistics have reached a point where allowed various segments of the economy to be re-involved.