LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Governor Whitmer released a statement after President-elect Joe Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 emergency relief plan in an address to the nation Thursday evening. Biden’s American Rescue Plan is aimed to fund vaccinations, provide financial relief to families, and support struggling communities. The president-elect’s plan also includes $350 billion in emergency funding for state, local, and territorial governments.
Whitmer says President-elect Biden understands that in order to build the economy back, federal and state authorities must join forces to end the COVID-19 pandemic. She says his plan will do both.
“I have been calling on the federal government to pass crucial funding for state and local governments for months, and I am glad that the incoming Biden Administration has heard those calls. The president-elect’s plan will help us end the pandemic by mounting a national vaccine program to speed up vaccinations here in Michigan. The plan will also provide some much-needed relief for our families and small businesses that have been hit hardest by the pandemic. Once again, President-elect Biden has proven that he will work around the clock to end the COVID-19 pandemic and build our economy back better. I’m proud to have a partner in the White House who will help us get things done for Michiganders.” – Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Biden will be inaugurated as President of the United States on Wednesday, January 20th.