Whitmer plan would spend $5.6 billion on COVID response
At a press conference held Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer unveiled a COVID Recovery Plan that outlines $5.6 billion in overall spending, including a request to use about $274 million from the state’s General Fund, which the Legislature would have to approve.
The spending boost would come from three buckets:
- $274 million from the General Fund, bolstered by stronger than expected revenues in recent months
- $309 million from the state School Aid Fund,
- $5 billion in federal funds coming from COVID-19 relief packages
During the Q&A portion of the event, the governor said it would take two years to reach vaccination goals based on the present pace, though she is confident the incoming Biden administration will accelerate the delivery of more vaccines.
Sections of the governor’s plan of particular import to counties include:
VACCINE DISTRIBUTION: Michigan is ready to ramp up vaccination distribution, which will help us get back to normal as quickly as possible. Last month, Congress appropriated $90 million in additional resources for vaccine distribution in Michigan through the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act. The governor’s plan will use this federal funding to ramp up vaccine distribution in Michigan and bring us closer to our goal of 50,000 shots in arms per day. This funding will help provide financial support to local health departments for vaccine administration costs, including staff augmentation, as well as provide equipment and supplies. Michigan will also receive $575 million to expand COVID testing, tracing and lab capacity.
PROPERTY TAX ASSISTANCE: The governor’s plan includes funding to waive penalties and interest for certain property owners who did not pay their summer 2020 property taxes on time as a result of economic hardship created by the COVID-19 pandemic. (Few details on the property tax penalty and interest program were provided. This is local revenue, so MAC is seeking clarification.)
The Governor’s Office also released today a summary of the aid programs for individuals and businesses affected by the pandemic: the Employee Assistance Grants, the Michigan Small Business Survival Grant Program and the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE GRANTS
What: The State of Michigan has allocated $45 million to provide support to employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Amount: Eligible recipients meeting all criteria and providing a complete and accurate application will be awarded assistance up to $1,650. The award is taxable, but it will NOT count against your unemployment as income.
Eligible Industries (employees working in the following industries qualify): Restaurants, hotels, motels, bed & breakfast, resorts, bars, food trucks, bowling alleys, theaters, nightclubs, golf courses, banquet halls, caterers, casinos, cafeterias, and other impacted industries.
MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL GRANT PROGRAM
What: $55 million in survival grants for Michigan small businesses disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
Grant Amount: Awarded grant amounts will be at the discretion of each EDO administering the grants. Grants may be awarded up to $20,000 for eligible businesses that have been temporarily closed and up to $15,000 for an eligible business that has been partially closed, or otherwise is open.
Eligible Expenses: Grant funds may be used by the business for eligible expenses including working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, and other expenses related to reopening a business incurred between November 18, 2020 and April 30, 2021.
MICHIGAN STAGES SURVIVAL GRANT PROGRAM
What: The State of Michigan has allocated $3.5 million to create the Michigan Stages Survival Grant Program to provide grants to entertainment venues affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Amount: The maximum grant request is $40,000. There is no match requirement. The Michigan Independent Venue and promoter Association (MIVPA) will have the discretion to recommend final grant award for applications.
Eligible Expenses: Awarded grant funds are to be used for working capital to support payroll expenses, rent, mortgage payments, utility expenses, or costs related to reopening a business.
