Dear Friends,

Following more than 12 hours of deliberations yesterday, the Michigan House and Senate unanimously approved approximately $125 million in emergency coronavirus relief for Michigan residents. House Bill 4279 allocates $40 million for public health emergency response such as monitoring and testing, $50 million to support hospitals, nursing homes, and other critical health care facilities, and $35 million for other response activities. This is in addition to $25 million in emergency funding the Legislature approved last week, bringing the total to $150 million.

Though we have more work ahead of us, this funding is a critical first step in providing Michigan residents assistance as we continue to tackle this crisis together.

 

Expanding Unemployment Benefits 

Beginning Monday, March 16, until Tuesday, April 14, Michigan is temporarily expanding unemployment benefit eligibility to those affected by COVID-19. Benefits will be extended to:

  • Workers who have an unanticipated family care responsibility, like child care due to school closures or caring for a loved one who is ill;
  • Workers who are sick, quarantined or immunocompromised, and do not have access to paid leave time or are laid off; and
  • First responders in the public health community who become ill or are quarantined.

Benefits will also be extended from 20 to 26 weeks, the eligibility period would be increased from 14 to 28 days, and the normal in-person registration and work search requirements will be suspended.

For more information or to apply for unemployment benefits, visit Michigan.gov/UIA or call (866) 500-0017.

 

Additional Resources

For a complete list of strategies to keep you and your loved ones healthy, click here. For the latest information as the situation continues to develop, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

If you have health-related questions about COVID-19, call the statewide Coronavirus Hotline at (888) 535-6136. Public health experts are available to answer your calls seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Sincerely,

State Representative Brenda Carter

29th House District