Whitmer To Trump: Fully Fund the Michigan National Guard

MICHIGAN — Monday marks one month since Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer requested a phone call with President Donald Trump to discuss the imposed state cost share for use of the Michigan National Guard for COVID-19 response, which federally funds National Guard activities and provides Guard members with federal pay and benefits.

Whitmer reiterated in a news release Monday that although Michigan continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, the president has still not responded to the governor’s request.

“COVID-19 is still a very real threat to our state, and we need full federal funding for the Michigan National Guard in order to continue protecting our families and frontline heroes," Whitmer said in a statement. "Our Guard members have been vital to our COVID-19 response by testing thousands of people in communities across the state during the height of the pandemic, and will be crucial to our recovery efforts moving forward.

"The president should not be playing partisan games while people's lives are on the line. It's irresponsible and irrational to fully fund National Guard activities in some states but not others. We need the president to step up and do the right thing for Michigan families, our frontline workers, and our economy. I once again implore President Trump to fully fund the Michigan National Guard under Title 32 so our Guardsmen and women can continue to protect us from this deadly virus.”

Related: Michigan Governor Asks Trump For Extended National Guard Use

The Michigan National Guard has performed widespread testing and screening in local communities, Michigan Department of Corrections facilities, and nursing homes throughout the state. United have also distributed personal protective equipment, assisted at food banks and supported public safety throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Title 32 authority has been granted to Michigan since March 30 at full federal expense. In August, Trump issued six memoranda, which extended Title 32 authority for 49 states and territories. The memoranda imposed a 25 percent state cost share for most states, but maintained full federal funding for Florida, Texas, Arizona, Connecticut and California.

Whitmer has repeatedly reached out to Trump to urge him to provide full federal funding for the Michigan National Guard through Dec. 31, including sending the president a letter on Aug. 12.

The Michigan congressional delegation has voiced bipartisan support for 100 percent federal funding for the Michigan National Guard, Whitmer's office said, noting that on Aug. 10, Congressman Fred Upton and Congresswoman Debbie Dingell led a letter signed by thirteen of Michigan’s fourteen representatives to FEMA Administrator Pete Gaynor urging the Administration to provide full federal funding for the Michigan National Guard COVID-19 response.

Senators Debbie Stabenow and Gary Peters have also called on the president to restore full federal funding under Title 32 authority.