Amidst a year of Republican obstructionism, Michigan is still heading into 2022 stronger than ever thanks to Democrats.
“This year, Michigan Republicans offered absolutely nothing to the Michiganders struggling to recover from the pandemic. Meanwhile, Democrats fought tooth and nail to help our state’s most vulnerable,” said Michigan Democratic Spokesperson Alyssa Bradley. “From Houghton to Detroit, President Biden and Democrats in Congress delivered for Michiganders in a big way this year. But even though they had every chance to work alongside Democrats, Michigan’s GOP lawmakers said no to helping workers and Main Street businesses, no to helping families and kids, and no to helping those hurting from the pandemic – and voters will hold them accountable for it in 2022.”
Here’s what President Biden and Michigan Democrats delivered in 2021, no thanks to the Michigan GOP:
President Biden’s American Rescue Plan: This package gave Michigan $18 billion to revitalize our state and in a shameful political move, not a single Republican voted for it. Here’s how it’s helped Michigan families recover:
- The expanded Child Tax Credit proved to be a lifesaver for Michigan parents and cut child poverty in half across the country.
- Investments in schools and libraries were a game changer in a time of uncertainty. These funds ensured schools were able to keep kids safe and meant more money for libraries to commit to digital upgrades.
- Aid to Michigan airports who lost revenue during the pandemic helped thousands of workers. The $6.5 million shared between several airports helped workers, TSA agents, and airport infrastructure needs.
- Federal dollars for state parks to preserve historical structures, upgrade water systems, and fix vital park infrastructure.
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: A once-in-a-generation package to rebuild our state’s roads, bridges, broadband infrastructure, public transportation, and more that a majority of Michigan Republicans voted against. Here’s how it delivers for Michigan:
- Michigan is set to receive nearly $10 billion that will go towards infrastructure projects from bridges to internet access. It’s going to be life-changing for folks across the Great Lakes State.
- Local officials like the Lansing Mayor are already prioritizing how they’re going to spend the federal dollars once they come to the state level. Flooding, roads, and bridges are the main priority.
- State Reps. in Detroit want to act as quickly as possible to put pen to paper and break ground on several projects around the city that will ensure people can drive and travel safely, with upgraded infrastructure.
Passing these two historic pieces of life-saving legislation was a feat all on it’s own, but the Biden-Harris administration and Michigan Democrats have also decreased the unemployment rate in the state, confirmed the first South Asian judge to Michigan’s U.S. Court system, and with partnership from Governor Whitmer, helped over 70% of Michigan’s population get vaccinated from COVID-19.
2021 was hard, but federal dollars and leadership from Governor Whitmer is providing a solid foundation for Michigan going into the New Year – and Democrats will continue to deliver in 2022.
