Whitmer Wants $300M More For COVID-19, Including Vaccine Distribution

By Ken Coleman, Michigan Advance

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday asked the GOP-led state House and Senate to approve $300 million in state spending to fight COVID-19 into 2021. It would include funds designated to support distribution of coronavirus vaccines.

The request is in addition to her previous call for $100 million in direct aid to people and businesses hit hardest by coronavirus.

“As we head into the cold winter months, it is crucial that we join forces and pass a bipartisan supplemental budget quickly to get this available funding into the hands of the people across our state who need it the most,” said Whitmer through a statement. “This supplemental budget request will provide much needed funding to meet a wide range of needs, including support for small businesses as we continue working to eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic. Let’s work together to get this done.”

State budget director Chris Kolb, a former state lawmaker, stressed the importance of arriving at the deal.

Plenty cooking in Lame Duck, but little COVID-19 action so far

“The Legislature has indicated a willingness to work with us quickly to ensure we are providing additional support for the people of Michigan,” said Kolb. “With the recent surge we have seen in the spread of the virus, and knowing the large need that exists for small businesses and people across the state, I think everyone understands the importance of getting this supplemental approved as soon as we can.”

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has prohibited indoor restaurant dining and closed various entertainment businesses until Dec. 8. In-person learning in Michigan schools has also been banned.

“Part of the urgency around today’s request is the fact that the ability to utilize the relief funds already issued by the federal government goes away at the end of this calendar year, and the tremendous pressure that already exists on our general fund could be partially alleviated with additional federal aid so that we can put our general fund dollars to use in other critical areas,” Kolb added. “I remain hopeful that Congress can work together to help the states with additional funding. We know that more funding is needed.”

More than a dozen U.S. House and Senate members are pushing for a bipartisan coronavirus relief package to aid struggling states and local governments and fund programs such as unemployment and rental assistance that are set to expire later this month. Michigan U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) and Elissa Slotkin (D-Holly) are part of that group.

Plenty cooking in Lame Duck, but little COVID-19 action so far

House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) tweeted on Saturday regarding Whitmer’s fiscal request.

“The Governor recently requested state funds to provide a stimulus to struggling businesses. We will look at this and more, because they need it. But honestly the best stimulus right now is allowing businesses to open their doors and operate safely. That’s what they want the most!”

The House is still planning to be in session this week even after some members were potentially exposed to COVID-19. President Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani, who testified before a House panel on Wednesday night, has been diagnosed with the virus and is reportedly hospitalized.

As the Advance reported earlier, a spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey (R-Clarklake) was critical of Whitmer.

“Sen. Shirkey is glad to see the governor reverse her position that there is nothing she can do for the workers and businesses impacted by her shut down orders,” spokesperson Amber McCann said. “He is not able to endorse the Governor’s plan without having access to the details, specifically a funding source.The Senate is actively working on a responsible plan to get dollars to Michiganders in need. We will share that soon and would welcome support from the Whitmer Administration.”

Rich Studley, Michigan Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, tweeted on Tuesday that his organization, which is typically aligned with Republicans, does not support the $100 million in COVID-19 spending and said that businesses should be given the opportunity to remain open without pandemic health restrictions.

Studley falsely said Michigan has a stay-home order, something that President Trump also repeatedly falsely claimed during Michigan campaign stops. Michigan has not been under a stay-home order since early June.

As COVID-19 cases have spiked this fall, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued a three-week epidemic order in late November with some restrictions, including closing restaurants and bars for indoor dining and high schools and colleges for in-person learning. The order is set to expire on Tuesday and Whitmer has not said if it will be extended.

Michigan has almost 390,000 COVID-19 cases and more than 8,600 deaths. DHHS said that Michigan had the third-highest coronavirus deaths in the country last week.