LANSING, Mich., Feb. 4, 2021 — Rep. Jim Haadsma (D-Battle Creek) today joined Michigan House Democrats in opposing 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 unleash 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.
“Michiganders are struggling, and there is absolutely no reason we shouldn’t use every bit of the funds available to us to provide them with the relief they need,” Haadsma said. “These federal stimulus dollars have been waiting and will keep waiting because House Republicans want to continue playing political games. I’ve heard from cities, the health department and schools in our communities and we need every penny sent to Michigan to help those in need.”
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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