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Thursday, December 26, 2024

Hernandez calls bill delegating federal money an 'important step' for Michigan

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Michigan needs federal money to help jump-start its COVID-19 recovery. | Pixabay

Michigan needs federal money to help jump-start its COVID-19 recovery. | Pixabay

A bill aimed at using federal money to help Michigan recover from the COVID-19 pandemic has moved closer to becoming law.

The state House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 690, which includes $880 million to help small businesses get back on their feet, provides additional funding for workers on the front line and helps families. 

"As we rebound and rebuild from COVID-19, this federal funding will help those affected by the pandemic in a variety of ways," Appropriations Chair Shane Hernandez (R-Port Huron), said on the Michigan House Republicans website. 

The federal money is earmarked for helping states pay for the unexpected costs that the coronavirus pandemic has caused. 

The legislation would set aside $100 million to help businesses reopen.  The funding would be made available through a "restart" grant program for businesses with 50 employees or fewer. The grants wouldn't exceed $20,000 for each business.

Some of the federal money would help local governments to pay for public health and safety workers.  It would also help with hazard pay for police, firefighters, corrections officers and emergency medical services in communities across the state, while also maintaining supplement pay for those public health employees giving direct care to COVID-19 patients. The bill would assist not only health care providers, but also agricultural processing businesses to be able to stock up on protective gear for their workers. 

Other monies would be used at the Unemployment Insurance Agency to increase staff and improve technology.  It would also go towards rent and utility assistance, food banks, shelters and other programs. 

Hernandez said the money could help students access the technology they need to stay in touch with their classrooms. 

"It's an important step to take as Michigan reopens after months of COVID-19 shutdown mandated by the governor's unilateral executive orders," Hernandez said, according to the Michigan House Republicans website.

The bill now heads to the state Senate, where it will be under consideration.

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