LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Tuesday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation that supports the COVID-19 recovery plan she sent to the legislature in January.
“I think it’s great news that we’ve been able to get some of the federal funding available to us appropriated, including passing two of my key proposals to provide a wage increase for direct care workers and increased funding to help expand vaccinations for Michiganders who are 50 years old or older,” Governor Whitmer said. “However, the reality is that there is more work to be done and there are still billions of dollars in federal funding that we need to get out the door to help businesses and families across the state.”
She continued,
“The bills I received were not negotiated with me or my administration, and I continue to call on the legislature to ensure that we work together to ensure we maximize every penny that is available. There were problems in the bills that I had to veto, and I expect the legislature to step up to fix the bill to allocate all of the money so we can get back to normal as soon as possible.”
Governor Whitmer also disapproved two items in each bill, pursuant to article 5, section 19 of the Michigan Constitution of 1963.
Following the news of this development, the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) released a reactionary statement.
According to the MLBA, these vetoes put the fate of about $800 million, half of which was set to provide relief for bars and restaurants, back on the drawing board.
“The Michigan Licensed Beverage Association (MLBA) has been pushing for property tax, liquor license and food license relief for months,” MLBA Executive Director Scott Ellis said in a statement. “Our industry has been impacted more than any other industry since the initial shutdown last March and we need this relief.”
Among the line-item vetoed portions of HB 4047 and HB 4048 was $405 million in relief for business property taxes, unemployment tax aid, liquor license fees and food license fees. HB 4049 was also vetoed.
In a news release, Governor Whitmer cited issues with the structure of the vetoed portions, which would have stripped powers from the executive branch.
“House Bill 4049 is a reckless idea, poorly executed and poorly timed,” Whitmer wrote in part. “I am vetoing it.”
Ellis says that while this situation is ongoing, businesses are continuing to suffer.
“While our businesses are struggling, the governor and legislature are playing politics,” Ellis said. “Our industry is in a dire situation and we don’t have time to play these games – the hospitality industry needs help now.”
The MLBA further stated that Governor Whitmer is now calling on the legislature to fix the bill and send it back to her so businesses can get the relief they need as soon as possible. As previously stated, both bills were initially sent to the governor without negotiations.
“It’s up to the house, senate and governor to figure this out. Continuing to let the partisan divide hurt our state is unacceptable,” Ellis said. “Every day that goes by without relief, another dozen businesses close their doors for good.”
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