Original Republican Proposal Did Not Include Direct Funds for State & Local Governments
Relief Package Also Includes Peters’ Bill to Expand Unemployment Assistance for Workers
In case you missed it, this week Senator Gary Peters passed bipartisan legislation that will provide critical relief to Michiganders including increasing unemployment insurance for workers who are forced to stay home, providing emergency funding to support hospitals and medical workers on the front lines of the crisis, and ensuring small business owners have the resources they need to stay afloat. Peters helped secure approximately an additional $3.8 billion in funding in the bipartisan package that was not included in the original bill, and will be dedicated to Michigan’s recovery.
Peters also led the Senate in a key provision, the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Act, to expand who is eligible for unemployment benefits during this public health crisis. Michiganders who are self-employed workers like small business owners, freelance workers, independent contractors, and others are now eligible to receive this lifesaving aid for 4 months. As Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland & Governmental Affairs Committee, Peters also helped negotiate the oversight provisions in the relief package to ensure stronger transparency and accountability in how the money is spent.
Here’s what Republicans proposed and urged Democrats to pass, compared to what Peters delivered for Michigan in the final bipartisan bill:
“Gary Peters’ focus has been to ensure workers, hospitals and small businesses in our state have the critical support they need during this crisis. That’s why he worked across the aisle and fought for a better deal for Michiganders,” said Michigan Democratic Party Chair Lavora Barnes. “While more work still lies ahead, it’s clear that Michigan families can count on Gary to continue fighting for the health and economic security of our people and always put Michigan first.”
There is still more to do to ensure the health and economic security of Michigan and the country during the coronavirus crisis – especially as the virus is spreading faster in the state than almost anywhere else in the country. The bipartisan relief package will make a significant difference in helping Michigan families immediately. Gary Peters will continue to work with state and local leaders to keep fighting for Michigan health care providers, first responders, small business owners and workers.
