Great Lakes Wire

Michigan legislators have announced that they ended the year's session by approving a $465 million spending bill to fund COVID-19 testing, vaccine distribution and aiding small businesses that have been negatively affected by the pandemic, according to Bridge Michigan.

The $465 million is in addition to the $900 billion federal relief package that federal legislators recently approved. That includes improved unemployment compensations and direct payments to citizens, CNN reports.

Rep. Lee Chatfield | Michigan House Republicans

The relief package offered by state officials passed through the lower chamber, where it received a 97-5 vote, in favor of the spending bill. The down-votes were from small-government Republicans, and Democrats who stated their concerns but cited a separate procurement, unrelated to the bill.

The vote ended a negotiation over COVID-19 assistance that lasted a week.

The approved spending plan, which is far above the $100 million that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer had requested, totals $340 million. The payments will be used in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus and fund other related projects.

Funds will pay for COVID-19 testing, mobile response initiatives, testing/medical equipment, such as personal protective equipment, and distribution of the new vaccine.

The funds will also incorporate money for hazard pay for health care workers and educators throughout Michigan. In addition, the funds will include grants for small businesses that have been significantly affected by the pandemic.

The plan incorporates $55 million for grants up to $20,000 for businesses that have been closed due to health orders imposed by the state.

The plan also earmarks $3.5 million for grants up to $40,000 that will be used to support live music and entertainment venues that have closed due to epidemic health orders. Additionally, $45 million in included for grants up to $1,650 to pay employees at those businesses that have been closed down due to Michigan's various COVID-19 executive orders.

Legislators say they are conscious of the people's fears concerning additional lockdowns and are looking for other ways to help get citizens through the pandemic.

“People are worried about the effects of the latest shutdown and what it means for their families,” House Speaker Lee Chatfield (R-Levering) told Bridge Michigan. "We are listening and looking for ways to help. Of course, the best way to help people is to follow the science and safely and securely reopen Michigan’s schools and small businesses. Until that happens, we will continue to fight for the people we represent, support working families with our votes and ensure everyone can continue to make ends meet.”