On a 97-to-5 vote this morning, the Michigan House of Representatives issued the green light for millions of dollars of COVID relief money to small businesses, Michigan workers, and beyond, clearing the way for the Governor’s signature. The House action followed a vote Friday by the Michigan Senate which cleared the package on a 35-to-2 vote at that time.
The $465-million relief package includes more than $63-million in small business grant dollars, paving the way for up to $20,000 for businesses who were mandated to full closure during the pandemic and $15,000 for those who faced partial closure due to state rules.
Additionally, people who lost their jobs or wages due to the state’s health orders can get grants of up to $1,650 per person under the relief bill.
Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Michigan Legislature passed the stimulus plan, which includes millions to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19 that need support this winter. The relief bill also includes $3.5 million for grants of up to $40,000 each for live music and entertainment venues, and includes $45 million in direct payments to workers who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the virus, with a direct focus on restaurant and hospitality workers.
Whitmer says, “I proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families, frontline workers, and small businesses need relief as we head into the winter. This bipartisan relief bill will provide families and businesses the support they need to stay afloat as we continue working to distribute the safe and effective vaccine and eradicate COVID-19 once and for all.”
Whitmer goes on to suggest, “There is still more work to do to beat this virus and grow our economy. All Michiganders have a personal responsibility to do their part and mask up, practice safe social distancing, and avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. And I urge everyone who is still doing last-minute holiday shopping to buy local to support your favorite businesses and restaurants.”
Whitmer turned her attention to the federal government as well, saying, “Of course, we still need our leaders in Washington to work together on behalf of states like Michigan. Congress is expected to pass a relief bill today that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools and small business loans. This is a good start, but we need Washington to continue working to provide federal funding to states to fund crucial services like police and fire, emergency responders, Medicaid, higher education, and more. These services could face cuts without help from the federal government. I will continue holding our leaders in Washington accountable.”
Michigan Republican Party Chairman Laura Cox, issued a statement regarding the Michigan legislature’s passage of the COVID relief package, saying, “I am proud of the work Republicans in the State Senate and House did to ensure the passage of this much needed COVID relief package. It is a shame that Governor Whitmer’s crippling policies have warranted such steps, but where she failed to support Michigan businesses and families, Republicans in the legislature stepped up to the plate. The final step to providing permanent relief for our state and its citizens is to once and for all do away with Governor Whitmer’s failed lockdowns.”
Whitmer concluded her own comments by saying, “There is a light at the end of the tunnel. As we continue working to eliminate this virus, I urge all Michiganders to be smart and stay safe. We will get through this when we continue working together.”
No immediate timeline was made available by the Legislature regarding when the dollars would be available for distribution, however some of the language included points toward January in some cases.
Another part of the relief package will help local jurisdictions deliver vaccines and assist in the vaccination process, as well as more PPE for healthcare workers working those distribution channels.
Unemployment benefits in the state plan will be extended through March, but there are no provisions for larger benefit payments.
