(WWJ) Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed legislation she says will help struggling businesses and unemployed workers in Michigan.
The bi-partisan relief bill, signed Tuesday, includes $55 million to help small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. What it does not included is funding vetoed by the governor, which she called a tax break for big businesses.
“I proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families, frontline workers, and small businesses need relief. This bipartisan 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 eliminate COVID-19 once and for all,” said Whitmer.
What's included? 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.
What's not? Whitmer line item vetoed several items, including a $220 million infusion of taxpayer dollars to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund — a pool of money to help employers to pay toward unemployment benefits to their laid off employees.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake is among state Republicans unhappy about the veto.
“Gov. Whitmer vetoed hundreds of millions of dollars in unemployment benefits at a time when Michiganders need it most," he said, in a statement. "That money would have gone directly into the pockets of workers, many who are unemployed as a result of the governor’s shutdowns."
“Those dollars would have extended unemployment benefits without placing additional costs on Michigan businesses already struggling to stay afloat under Gov. Whitmer’s closure polices," Shirkey added. “The bill was passed with votes from Republicans and Democrats in the legislature who understand Michigan families are struggling and in need of our support. Gov. Whitmer eliminated that support today with her veto pen and dealt another blow to Michiganders just struggling to get by."
Whitmer, however, insisted this cut will not impact individual workers. "General Fund dollars have got to be used to fund essential services, like vaccines and PPE — not to give tax breaks to big businesses right now," she said.
The governor also signed bi-partisan Senate Bill 604 extending unemployment benefits for Michiganders who have lost work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic from 20 to 26 weeks until the end of March 2021. Senate Bill 604 was sponsored by Senator Curtis Hertel.
“No Michigander should have to worry about how to put food on the table or pay their bills, especially during a global pandemic,” Whitmer said. “These bipartisan bills are an important step in providing immediate relief for working families, but there is more work to do. I urge the legislature to take further action to make this permanent. 40 states, including all of our neighbors, automatically provide at least 26 weeks of unemployment relief. Michiganders deserve better than a short-term extension that expires in March. It’s time to work together on a bipartisan, long-term solution for working families.”
Since March 15, the state says Whitmer’s administration has paid nearly $27 billion in benefits to nearly 2.3 million workers.
On Tuesday, the governor urged the legislature to return to work in January and pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits and an increase in weekly benefits that provide unemployed Michiganders the support they need to put food on the table for themselves and their families.
Meanwhile, Whitmer said restrictions put in place in mid-November, which include the closing of restaurants and bars for indoor dining, have been working to slow the spread of the virus.
Whitmer did not say when, exactly, the restrictions will be lifted, saying at a news conference: "Our numbers are better than all our Midwestern neighbors; these numbers are encouraging. We will continue to monitor them closely to see if holiday travel will have a significant impact."
Whitmer encouraged families to stay home for New Years Eve and order out from a local restaurant.
“There is still more work to do to eliminate 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. We will beat this virus together," the governor said.
A news release put out by the state included thanks from some of those in line to receive some relief funds.
“After zooming a few weeks ago with Governor Whitmer, we are thrilled that she heard our cry for help,” said Chef Jenna Arcidiacono, owner of Amore Trattoria in Comstock Park. “Many restaurants will not survive without financial support. This gives us hope after the devastating year we have endured.”
“Live entertainment venues are vital to communities across Michigan, they are community gathering spaces and vibrant hubs for culture and arts,” said Xavier Verna, Executive Director of the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. “These funds will provide critical support to help them get through until we can all gather safely and enjoy entertainment together again.”
“We are grateful that Governor Whitmer has signed a bill that provides some much needed support for entertainment venues and stages like ours,” said Scott Hammontree, President of the Michigan Independent Venue and Promoter Association. “Our number one priority is keeping our staff, patrons, and their families safe, and we encourage everyone in communities across Michigan to do your part to end this virus once and for all.”
Get the latest information on the coronavirus in Michigan at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/