Jones calls for vote on $5 billion in federal stimulus dollars
INKSTER, Mich., Feb. 1, 2021 — Rep. Jewell Jones (D-Inkster) joined Michigan House Democrats today in supporting a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately release $5 billion in federal dollars to help Michigan workers, small businesses, families and schools impacted most by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jones and Michigan House Democrats called on legislative Republicans to stop holding hostage the funding critical to Michigan’s recovery from the pandemic.
“People in my community are hurting and we have $5 billion in federal funding just sitting there,” said Jones. “It isn’t right. Those dollars could help people who are struggling through no fault of their own to pay their bills as a result of this pandemic, and it could help provide the means to get more shots in arms and finally defeat this virus. Every day we delay a vote is a day people go without.”
Specifics of the supplemental appropriations bill include:
- $90 million for vaccine distribution throughout Michigan.
- $575 million to expand COVID testing, tracing, and lab capacity.
- $2.1 billion in food assistance.
- $660 million to help with rental assistance and winter utility bills.
- $2 billion for Michigan schools.
- $270 million for small business relief.
- Language that would extend unemployment assistance from 20 to 26 weeks.
###