Rep. Young supports vote on all $5 billion in federal stimulus
DETROIT, Mich., Feb. 4, 2021 — Rep. Stephanie Young (D-Detroit) joined Michigan House Democrats today in opposing House Republican legislation that would forfeit critical COVID-19 vaccine funding and other money by leaving it in Washington, D.C.
Earlier this week, House Democrats released a pandemic recovery plan that would immediately unleash over $5 billion in available 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.
“I was raised in the City of Detroit by two hardworking, blue collar parents who taught me early on, ‘never leave any money on the table.’” said Rep. Young “I am in total disbelief that this is exactly what my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have consciously decided to do. I am saddened that there will be Michiganders who will go to bed hungry, have utilities shut-off or lose their housing because of this lack of compassion. They deserve better.”
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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