KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, State Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) announced her support of the Michigan House Democrats’ new pandemic recovery plan.
Under the plan, $5 billion in federal dollars would be released to assist Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rogers says that the pandemic funding is crucial for recovery.
“People in my community do not care about political games,” Rogers said in a released statement. “They are struggling through no fault of their own, all while we have $5 billion in federal funding readily available to help address this ongoing public health crisis. We need to come together and find solutions that support the people of Michigan and leave partisan rhetoric behind. Now is not the time for political ultimatums. If we want to get more shots in arms and finally defeat this virus, we need a united approach.”
Specifics of the supplemental appropriations proposed by House Democrats include:
- $90 million for vaccine distribution throughout Michigan.
- $575 million to expand COVID testing, tracing, and lab capacity.
- $2.1 billion in food assistance.
- $660 million to help with rental assistance and winter utility bills.
- $2 billion for Michigan schools.
- $270 million for small business relief.
- Language that would extend unemployment assistance from 20 to 26 weeks.
More information on the plan can be viewed here.
