Rogers calls for vote on $5 billion in federal stimulus dollars
KALAMAZOO, Mich., Feb. 1, 2021 — Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo) 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.
This funding is critical to Michigan’s recovery from the pandemic and any further delay will put the well-being of Michigan families and communities in jeopardy. Unfortunately, threats have been made to withhold school funding, reject governor appointments, and remove critical epidemic order authority from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
“People in my community do not care about political games,” said Rogers. “They are struggling through no fault of their own, all while we have $5 billion in federal funding readily available to help address this ongoing public health crisis. We need to come together and find solutions that support the people of Michigan and leave partisan rhetoric behind. Now is not the time for political ultimatums. If we want to get more shots in arms and finally defeat this virus, we need a united approach.”
Specifics of the supplemental appropriations proposed by House Democrats 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.
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