Rep. Jones supports vote on all $5 billion in federal stimulus
INKSTER, Mich., Feb. 4, 2021 — Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) is voicing his opposition to House Republican legislation that would leave needed COVID-19 vaccine funding and other money in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this week, House Democrats released a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately release over $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, House Republicans pushed through a short-sighted appropriations package that leaves some of Michigan taxpayer dollars back in Washington, D.C. Jones, although unable to be present for today’s vote, has been a strong advocate for increased COVID relief.
“Every day that we hold onto this funding instead of using it to help our communities is a day that people go without the ability to pay their rent, put food on the table or have access to the vaccine,” said Jones. “This might be a political game to some in Lansing, but it isn’t a game to many people in my community. It’s all too real for them, and they need our help now.”
House Democrats demanded several changes to the bills during session, including:
- Bringing home all $90 million in federal stimulus for vaccine distribution throughout Michigan
- Bringing home all $575 million in federal stimulus to expand COVID testing, tracing and lab capacity
- Bringing home all $2.1 billion in federal stimulus to provide food assistance
- Bringing home all $661 million in federal stimulus to help with rental assistance and winter utility bills
- Adding $240 million in direct relief to small businesses
- Extending unemployment assistance from 20 to 26 weeks
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