LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Michigan House of Representatives Monday morning passed a $465 million COVID-19 relief plan that also temporarily extends unemployment benefits while supporting the restaurant industry, small businesses, and the families who depend on them.
The measure includes $220 million to temporarily extend unemployment benefits for those who have been forced out of work by the governor’s most recent shutdown orders. It also extends benefits by six weeks through March, meaning laid-off workers are temporarily eligible for up to 26 weeks of benefits. In addition, $45 million would be set aside for an employee assistance fund providing grants of up to $1,650 to replace lost wages for those employed by a business impacted by the current orders.
Grant programs for small businesses whose operations have been shut down or restricted by the governor’s latest orders would also be bolstered. The small business survival program, supported by $55 million in the approved proposal alone, will work to provide a lifeline for many job providers and families on the brink of economic collapse.
As COVID-19 vaccines begin to be distributed, the plan allocates more than $50 million to assist in those efforts statewide. It also continues to address testing needs – with $22.5 million going toward general testing and focus areas such as nursing homes. Another $42 million will support temporary staffing needs and wage increases for direct care workers who are the front lines of the COVID-19 fight.
The package now advances to Gov. Whitmer for her consideration.
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