Dear Neighbor:
Here is some information that I hope you will find helpful, including some updates on the state’s efforts to address COVID-19 and its effects on housing, employment, and more.
Jobs and the Local Economy Facebook Live
There is no question that the pandemic has hurt workers and business owners. To shed more light on the current situation, I hosted a Facebook Live Town Hall on Jobs and the Local Economy yesterday. Capital Area Michigan Works CEO Carrie Rosingana, Steve Japinga from the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Supplemental CEO owner Teena Rairigh joined me to discuss current job opportunities, job seeking during a pandemic, and the local climate for small business. If you weren’t able to join us, you can watch the event on my Facebook page.
Unemployed Michiganders Will Get Additional $300 A Week
This past Friday, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) approved the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency’s (UIA) funding application. This funding will give individuals in our state who are receiving unemployment an additional $300 per week. The UIA estimated that 910,000 people will receive this $300 a week in supplemental benefits.
$65 Million of CARES Funding Allocated to Michigan Schools
On August 19, the governor announced that $65 million of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds will be allocated to K-12 school districts, higher education institutions, and other education-related entities that have been most impacted by COVID-19. The funding will target districts in economically disadvantaged areas that often have higher barriers to remote learning.
Governor Signs ‘Return to Learn’ Package
Last Thursday, Gov. Whitmer signed the “Return to Learn” package, the back-to-school plan that was the result of bipartisan negotiations between the governor and legislative leadership.
This legislation bases the student count primarily on the student population from the 2019-2020 school year. Unlike the previous version of this package, these bills do not outsource online instruction to for-profit, private education management organizations. It also no longer requires in-person instruction for K-5 students.
You can read more about the plan here: https://bit.ly/3h5b8YX
While legislative offices remain closed to the public, my team is still providing responsive service as they work from home. Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (517) 373-0587 or by email at karahope@house.mi.gov if we can help.
Sincerely,
Kara Hope
State Representative