The plan released today will help Michigan continue its road to recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic
Lansing, Mich., Feb. 11, 2021 — State Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) was pleased to see that the governor’s budget plan continues to address the ongoing public health crisis while making sure our local communities, businesses and schools have the resources they need to navigate a path toward recovery. Notably, the plan includes $10 million to help eliminate lead poisoning in homes through remediation efforts.
“This past year has been challenging for so many and as a health care provider, I appreciate that this budget specifically calls for funding focused on the health and well-being of Michigan families,” said Rogers. “This budget also works to address many of the ongoing issues facing our state that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The Kalamazoo community has been dealing with lead-based paint in our housing stock for years. Now more than ever, it is time to address this public health issue.”
The governor’s budget also calls for an increase in revenue sharing for our local municipalities across the state, an unparalleled investment in diversity, equity and inclusion through the services administered by the Department of Health and Human Services, and the largest investment in K-12 schools in history. This includes $32 million for the Great Start Readiness Program and $55 million for the Filters First program to begin statewide implementation of drinking water fixture replacements in schools.
“This pandemic has brought our equity issues front and center,” said Rogers. “We can’t wait any longer to ensure that our communities, which have been distinctly impacted by COVID-19, have resources for recovery. We must continue to uplift the unique needs of our schools and businesses, and work across the aisle to make sure we are purposefully investing every dollar of our state and federal resources. And we must do it all with an intentional lens on diversity, equity and inclusion.”
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