Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released the following statement after the Michigan Legislature passed her stimulus plan, which includes $55 million to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Grants of up to $20,000 will be made available to small businesses across the state that need support this winter. The relief bill also includes $3.5 million for grants of up to $40,000 each for live music and entertainment venues and includes $45 million in direct payments to workers who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the virus, with a direct focus on restaurant and hospitality workers.
“I proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families, frontline workers and small businesses need relief as we head into the winter,” Whitmer said. “This bipartisan relief bill will provide families and businesses the support they need to stay afloat as we continue working to distribute the safe and effective vaccine and eradicate COVID-19 once and for all. There is still more work to do to beat this virus and grow our economy. All Michiganders have a personal responsibility to do their part and mask up, practice safe social distancing and avoid indoor gatherings where the virus can easily spread from person to person. (And) I urge everyone who is still doing last-minute holiday shopping to buy local to support your favorite businesses and restaurants.”
“Of course, we still need our leaders in Washington to work together on behalf of states like Michigan,” Whitmer added. “Congress is expected to pass a relief bill today that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools and small business loans. This is a good start, but we need Washington to continue working to provide federal funding to states to fund crucial services like police and fire, emergency responders, Medicaid, higher education and more. These services could face cuts without help from the federal government. I will continue holding our leaders in Washington accountable.”
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel. As we continue working to eliminate this virus, I urge all Michiganders to be smart and stay safe. We will get through this when we continue working together.”
The governor first sent a letter to the Michigan Legislature to pass a $100 million relief bill on November 25, 2020.
