Following more than 12 hours of deliberations, the Michigan House and Senate unanimously approved approximately $125 million in emergency coronavirus relief for Michigan residents.
House Bill 4279 allocates $40 million for public health emergency response such as monitoring and testing, $50 million to support hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical health care facilities, and $35 million in other response activities.
The bill also uncaps Gov. Whitmer’s authority to accept relief funds from the federal government for the next 90 days. In response, State Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette) issued the following statement:
“While this was a huge win, we still have work to do to ensure that school closures do not impact school funding or school staff during this critical time. Although we still have time to act, we absolutely need the Michigan Senate to come to the table and negotiate with the governor.
“This has been a difficult week for so many people and there is lots of work yet to do. I am hopeful we can come together in a Lansing next week and get it done for the families, businesses and organizations who need financial and operational assurances immediately.”
State Rep. Beau LaFave, of Iron Mountain, today voted in favor of a new emergency budget plan providing an additional $125 million to help the state of Michigan and local communities respond to COVID-19.
The measure brings the total state funding approved to $150 million, including the $25 million approved by the Legislature last week. The plan will provide $50 million for immediate needs such as illness monitoring and testing, $50 million for critical health care providers to expand capacity for coronavirus response, and $50 million to keep in reserve for when necessary.
The measure also will make it easier to use federal assistance related to COVID-19.
“During this time of uncertainty over the coronavirus, I am taking proactive measures to help protect the health and well-being of Upper Peninsula families and communities across the state,” LaFave said. “It’s important we provide our medical facilities, first responders and health care professionals with the tools they need to help with mitigation efforts. I’m confident we can and will combat the spread of this illness if we continue to stand united.”
LaFave said the best way to prevent illness is by following certain prevention steps which include:
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.
Reliable information about COVID-19 can be found at www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus and www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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