In case you missed it, U.S. Senator Gary Peters proposed the creation of a new federal grant program to provide underserved communities with the necessary resources for outreach during public health emergencies. The proposal comes as recent reporting continues to show that communities of color are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.
“There’s no question that we need to be helping underserved communities and if you just look at the disparities of communities that are being hit by COVID, and communities of color. African Americans in the state for example, represent 14% of the population of the state yet over 40% of the deaths are in the community.” – U.S. Senator Gary Peters
In addition to these federal grants, Senator Peters has been continuing his work to ensure that Michigan’s small businesses, particularly minority owned businesses, receive needed relief, and to pass his proposed ‘Heroes Fund’ legislation that would provide front line workers with hazard pay through the end of the year.
While there’s still more work to do, Gary Peters is making sure that no Michigander is left behind in finding the relief and resources they need.
Mid-Michigan NOW: Senator Gary Peters calls for oversight on stimulus payouts
- “There’s no question that we need to be helping underserved communities and if you just look at the disparities of communities that are being hit by COVID, and communities of color. African Americans in the state for example, represent 14% of the population of the state yet over 40% of the deaths are in the community.”
- “We need to do everything we can to make sure folks in communities of color have access to the resources that are available but you know many folks may not have access to the internet, they may not have a primary care physician. And I find that those institutions that people trust their faith based institutions, their local churches, nonprofits, need to be in a position to provide resources and to help people find what is needed.”
- “Whether it’s mental health or food or or medical care, or assistance with business, small business related needs.So that’s why it’s important to put more resources into communities that clearly need it right now.”
WDIV Detroit: Gary Peters discusses bill to create a grant program to help minority communities during the Coronavirus pandemic
- “Senator Gary Peters is introducing a bill to create a grant program to help minority communities during the Coronavirus pandemic. Peters says providing grants to community-based organizations can help people find important resources.”
- “You want to get information out, working with local nonprofits and particularly faith-based organizations, our local churches, are absolutely critical to getting information to people. Information that can lead to access to health care, to testing facilities, to food banks, mental health is another important need.”
