LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A couple new announcements from Governor Gretchen Whitmer are working to help the frontline workers during this coronavirus pandemic while also putting some more Michiganders back to work.
On Tuesday, April 29, the governor held another press briefing joined by Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, LEO Director Jeff Donofrio, and President of the Michigan AFL-CIO Ron Bieber to give updates on the state’s latest response to COVID-19.
— Construction Resumes on May 7th —
Whitmer announced that on Friday, she plans to sign an executive order to open both residential and commercial construction by May 7. She said this is the best next step on how to reopen parts of the state’s economy based on the latest health data.
— Whitmer Launches “Futures for Frontliners” Program —
The governor also unveiled the “Futures for Frontliners” program as a way to help frontline workers and say thank you for their dedication during this time.
According to her statement, the program “will provide a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate to essential workers who don’t have a college degree.” This will apply to hospital and nursing home workers, grocery store clerks, those providing child care to critical infrastructure workers, workers manufacturing PPE, those protecting public safety, as well as employees picking up trash, delivering supplies, etc.
The “Futures for Frontliners” program is the first of its kind in the country, and was inspired by the federal government’s support of soldiers returning from World War II
“I want to assure all of our workers we will never forget those of you who stepped up and sacrificed their own health during this crisis. You’re the reason we’re going to get through this,” Whitmer said.
This program will also help the state reach Whitmer’s goal to increase the number of working-age adults with a technical certificate or college degree from 45% to 60% by 2030. Governor Whitmer says the money for the “Futures for Fronliners” will come from federal dollars.
— Whitmer Expands Workshare Program —
In addition, Governor Whitmer announced how she is expanding Michigan’s Workshare Program to help employers retain their skilled employees.
According to her official statement, this will allow “employers to reduce employee hours to receive weekly unemployment insurance benefits as well as the additional $600 Pandemic Unemployment Assistance weekly benefit.”
Both benefits will be funded through federal dollars. Through July, the program can act as supplemental pay for critical infrastructure workers by allowing them to collect the extra $600 per week.
— Whitmer Supports Sen. Peters’ Heroes Fund —
The governor is also calling on Congress to support Senator Gary Peters’ Heroes Fund.
If approved, this would add an additional $13 per hour, up to $25,000, of hazard pay for frontline workers during this pandemic.
It would also provide an additional potential recruitment incentive of up to $15,000 for essential medical workers.
In a statement Whitmer said, “No Michigander should have to worry about how to feed their family or pay rent during a crisis. And no Michigander should be scared to go to work. From the beginning, my team and I have been working around the clock to solve those problems for working families. And I will continue to fight for our working people long after this crisis is over.”
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For statewide information, go to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website at michigan.gov/coronavirus.
