If you work at a Michigan bar, restaurant, bowling alley, golf course or any of a number of other eligible places of business in the state and applied for and approved for an Employee Assistance Grant, keep an eye on your mail for a check for nearly $800.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer this morning confirmed that more than 55,900 individuals who work in entertainment, recreational and indoor food-service venues will begin receiving grant payments of $793 this week. Applications were processed through the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (MRLAEF).
The grants are part of the Employee Assistance Grants program, which was created through a $45 million bipartisan budget appropriation signed by Governor Whitmer in late 2020. Individuals whose employment was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were eligible to apply for the grants in January.
The governor says, “As we continue to address the effects of COVID-19, our top priority is providing financial relief to Michigan families and small businesses, so that we can grow our economy and get back to normal.” She adds, “This special grant program puts dollars in the pockets of Michiganders who work in hospitality, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services sectors — as well as the gym and fitness sectors. These Michiganders have made great sacrifices and continue to make great sacrifices as we fight COVID-19.”
Michiganders impacted by the MDHHS pandemic orders must have been working in one of the following industries to qualify for an Employee Assistance Grant:
- Bars
- Banquet Halls
- Bowling Alleys
- Cafeterias
- Casinos
- Caterers
- Food Trucks
- Golf Courses
- Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfast, Resorts
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Theaters
- And other such recreational facilities
The MRLAEF processed the applications in January and February and notified applicants of approval or denial. The Michigan Department of Treasury began mailing checks to approved grant recipients yesterday, March 17th.
Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association, says, “Michigan’s restaurant and hotel employees need help,” and adds, “We are honored to administer these much-needed grants. These dollars provide assistance for the hardship experienced during these extraordinary times.”
Applicants must have been Michigan residents, demonstrated proof of employment in one of the industries noted above on November 18, 2020, when the MDHHS pandemic orders took effect, and proved being negatively impacted financially because of furlough, layoff, job loss or a reduction in hours worked.
The MRLAEF founded the Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund early in 2020 after the first “Stay Home, Stay Safe” precautions. The foundation has raised several million dollars for displaced restaurant and hotel workers, processing many checks for those in need, including CARES Act dollars approved by the Michigan Legislature and signed by Governor Whitmer.
More information about the grant program is available on the Employee Assistance Grants website here: https://mrlaef.org/employee-assistance-grants.html
