One of many things that will be funded by the $465 million COVID-19 relief package is distribution of the new vaccines to Michigan residents. | stock photo
One of many things that will be funded by the $465 million COVID-19 relief package is distribution of the new vaccines to Michigan residents. | stock photo
Michigan legislators have made the announcement that they ended the year's session by passing a $465 million spending bill to fund further COVID-19 testing, distribute vaccines and aid small businesses that have been impacted by the pandemic, according to Bridge Michigan.
The $465 million is in addition to the $900 billion federal relief package that federal lawmakers recently approved.
Rep. Lee Chatfield
| Michigan House Republicans
The relief package submitted by state officials passed easily in the lower chamber, where it received in a 97-5 vote. The down-votes were from small-government Republicans, and Democrats who asserted their concerns but cited a separate provision, unrelated to the bill.
The vote ended a negotiation over COVID-19 assistance that lasted a week.
The approved spending strategy, which is far above the $100 million Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had asked for, totals $340 million. The money will be used in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus and fund other related projects.
Funds will pay for COVID-19 testing, mobile response initiatives, testing/medical equipment and administering the vaccine to residents.
The funds will also provide hazard pay for health care workers and educators throughout the state. In addition, they will cover grants for small businesses that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic.
The plan includes $55 million for grants of up to $20,000 to businesses that have been closed due to health orders imposed by the state.
It also includes $3.5 million for grants of up to $40,000 that will be used to support live music and entertainment venues that have closed due to Michigan's epidemic health orders. Additionally, $45 million will be provided for grants up to $1,650 to pay workers at those businesses that have been closed down due to pandemic-related health orders.
Lawmakers say they are aware of people's fears regarding additional lockdowns and are looking for other ways to help get citizens through the crisis.
“People are worried about the effects of the latest shutdown and what it means for their families,” House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) told Bridge Michigan. "We are listening and looking for ways to help. Of course, the best way to help people is to follow the science and safely and securely reopen Michigan’s schools and small businesses. Until that happens, we will continue to fight for the people we represent, support working families with our votes and ensure everyone can continue to make ends meet.”
Alerts Sign-up