(WWJ) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is offering some help to shuttered entertainment venues and restaurants whose dining rooms are closed by order of the health department.
While the state will not be writing checks to affected business owners, Whitmer said they'll get a break in the form of tax relief.
"Effective immediately, most entertainment and recreational venues and restaurants that depend on indoor dining can postpone their monthly Sales, Use and Withholding Tax payments that are due December 20th, they can postpone them to January 20th in 2021."
The State Treasury will waive all penalties and interest for 31 days, the governor said, at a news conference Thursday, adding: "This is a crucial step in helping our businesses that are struggling... But we still need the Legislature and the federal government to act."
On that front, Whitmer said she is asking the State Legislature to approve $50 million in COVID-19 relief for the hardest hit small businesses in Michigan, and an additional $50 million in relief to unemployed Michiganders who need it most.
"While it won't be enough, it will be a bridge to help until additional federal relief comes," the governor said. "...I'm hopeful the the Legislature with work collaboratively with my administration to provide this much-needed relief."
On Monday, the governor announced a health department order extending the partial shutdown for an additional 12 days, citing concerns about a spike in virus cases after Michiganders traveled and gathered for Thanksgiving.
Through Dec. 20, all bars and restaurants are prohibited from offering indoor service, high school and colleges are restricted to virtual learning, and some other businesses deemed "high risk" -- including bowling alley and skating rinks -- are completely closed.
Meanwhile, Whitmer is encouraging all businesses to start coming up with a plan to encourage workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19, once a vaccine is approved by the FDA and available.
