LANSING, Mich., May 27, 2021 — Republicans are continuing to leave $3.7 billion of federal COVID-19 relief funding in Washington, D.C. instead of bringing aid home to Michigan where it can be put to good use. After five months of leaving this money stranded, Michigan’s most vulnerable are now paying the price.
An additional $1 billion of this relief includes vital Emergency Rental Assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits Michiganders desperately need.
“In the wake of the worst health and economic crisis we’ve seen in our lifetimes, Michigan families need help to put food on the table and a roof over their heads, but Republicans continue to let this vital assistance gather dust in Washington, D.C.,” said House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township). “This is not the time for partisan games. We can provide the relief Michiganders need now by allocating all the federal funds available.”
Because Republicans refused to appropriate the funds to help schools return to in-person learning safely, improve infrastructure, and give students and families the resources to succeed, the Michigan Department of Education missed another deadline to send districts federal aid from the American Rescue Plan.
“As a former teacher, I know how much planning goes into making each school year successful,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), who serves as Democratic vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Michigan Department of Education. “We can no longer leave schools in the dark. Districts are running out of time to have all the resources they need to execute their plans for the upcoming school year to keep our students safe. Our students, parents and educators need to have every resource at their disposal to ensure our children receive the education they need and deserve.”
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