• SB 690 allocates $880M in federal coronavirus relief funding for some of the sectors hardest hit but the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Among other funding priorities, House Democrats successfully increased funding for additional staff and technological support for Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to more quickly and efficiently process claims.
  • This supplemental budget provides funding to many of the pillars of House Democrats’ Michigan Strong plan, addressing some of the immediate needs of our state while also providing the beginnings of a path for further improvements outlined in the plan.

LANSING, Mich., — The Michigan House of Representatives unanimously approved Senate Bill 690 today to provide critical supplemental support to Michigan residents and businesses adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan agreement includes just over $880 million in allocations of federal coronavirus relief funding and reflects the community priorities outlined in Michigan House Democrats’ recently unveiled Michigan Strong Plan.

“From the first days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Michigan, House Democrats knew that the magnitude of the crisis would be monumental, and we worked quickly to develop a comprehensive legislative plan to address critical challenges, provide essential support and strengthen our communities and democracy,” said House Democratic Leader Christine Greig (D-Farmington Hills). “The passage of this supplemental bill will provide relief for the residents and industries that were hit the hardest and provide a launching point for future initiatives in the Michigan Strong Plan.”

The Michigan Strong Plan not only seeks to overcome the critical challenges brought to light by this unprecedented public health crisis— including access to health care and mental health services, paycheck protections, worker safety and confidence, safeguards for basic needs, resources for our first responders and educating our children outside the classroom — but also aims to build a stronger foundation for the state’s most vital sectors. House Democrats secured funding for many of these priorities in SB 690, including:

  • $200 million to support local public health and safety workers.
  • $29 million for increased Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) staffing and technology support to process claims quicker and more efficiently.
  • $100 million for additional hazard pay for first responders.
  • $25 million for devices to improve internet connectivity for low income and rural families.
  • $18 million in school district grants to support the health and safety of both students and teachers.
  • $100 million for Small Business Restart Grants for businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees.

“No one could have foreseen the impact the COVID-19 pandemic would have on our state’s budget,” said Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo), Minority Vice-Chair of the Appropriations Committee. “We needed swift, bipartisan action to provide relief for the hardest-hit sectors of our state immediately. Our next budget will need to go even further to reverse the damage from the pandemic. We must continue the work to provide adequate funding for our families, students and neighborhood businesses. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”

SB 690 now returns to the Senate for concurrence before heading to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

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A copy of the Michigan Strong: A Stronger Future Starts Today plan is available by clicking here.

A breakdown of the SB 690’s allocations in relation to the Michigan Strong Plan can be found by clicking here.