Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 aid funding

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed at least $ 2.5 billion in COVID-19 aid funds.

The legislation supports Whitmer COVID-19 recovery plan, including a $ 2.25 hourly wage increase for direct care workers, $ 283 million in federal emergency rental assistance, up to $ 110 million for vaccine administration and up to $ 555 million for testing and follow-up, declared state officials.

“I think it’s great news that we’ve been able to get some of the federal funding available to us, including passing two of my key proposals to provide a pay rise for direct care workers and increased funding to help expand vaccinations for Michiganders who are 50 years of age or older, ”said Whitmer. “However, the reality is that there is more to be done and there are still billions of dollars in federal funding that we need to get out the door to help companies and families across the state.”

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The $ 2.25 hourly wage increase for direct care workers will be in effect until September, according to the Associated Press. A $ 2 increase expired at the end of February.

Whitmer’s administration wants to allocate the remaining $ 2 billion in federal funds.

The governor also vetoed Bill 4049. The bill would have required him to relinquish the power of the state health department to close schools and sports and instead leave the decision to local health departments.

“The bills I received were not negotiated with me or my administration, and I continue to ask the legislature to make sure we work together to make sure we maximize every penny available,” Whitmer said. “There were problems with bills that I had to veto, and I expect the legislature to step up to fix the bill to allocate all the money so we can get back to normal as soon as possible.”

As part of her recovery plan, Whitmer has proposed $ 665 million to expand state immunization and testing programs and $ 2.1 billion for schools. She urges the Legislature to return to the table to take full advantage of unused federal funds.

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“We are well on our way to recovery, and our key values ​​and figures are improving, but we need to put the rest of the available federal funding into operation, much of it to help companies and support their recovery,” Whitmer said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter and brighter, and I thank every Michigander who played his part in responding to the pandemic.”

She also proposed a total allocation of $ 622 million for rent and utility assistance. The legislature awarded $ 283 million.

Whitmer also proposed a full $ 2.7 billion allocation to help residents feed their families. The legislator offered $ 600 million. Michiganderers can request food assistance by going online to www.michigan.gov/MIBridges.

“The legislature has tried to ban spending on vaccine distribution and return to school unless the governor signs legislation that removes powers from the executive branch,” said state budget director David Massaron. “Rather than these political games, we need to focus on how to best help the companies and people most affected by the pandemic. Vetoes were needed and now we must collectively refocus our efforts on how best to get resources out the door to accelerate our recovery from the pandemic. ”

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Whitmer and the Republican legislature have been battling federal aid money for months, the governor called on lawmakers to negotiate during weekly news meetings.

State he saw his plate of COVID-19 numbers in the last week after falling steadily throughout the winter. Michigan metrics have reached a point that allowed the re-employment of several segments of the economy.