Joint Statement on Passage of Supplemental Legislation Putting Michiganders First

Statement

Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Rep. Thomas Albert, Sen. Jim Stamas, and State Budget Director Chris Harkins released the following statement after the Michigan Legislature passed a supplemental bill that invests nearly $1 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan into Michigan's families, communities, and small businesses. 

"Today, legislative leaders came together to put Michiganders first and make another monumental investment in Michigan's families, communities, and small businesses," said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. "For months, we have been working together with the legislature and we have been negotiating together in good faith, finding a collaborative way to effectively spend the federal dollars sent to Michigan by the American Rescue Plan. Today, we took another big step forward in finding common ground and agreement on how to spend some of those federal resources, including resources to help kids safe and learning in school, protect seniors in nursing homes, and get vaccines out the door even faster. I am grateful to State Budget Director Chris Harkins, Sen. Jim Stamas, and Rep. Thomas Albert for the hard work they put in to deliver critical aid to families, communities, and small businesses as we continue building our economy back stronger than ever. Our progress is a testament to what's possible when we put work together, and this bill will build on progress we made earlier this year to enact the largest education investment in state history and pass a balanced, bipartisan budget that made game-changing investments in skills, bridges, childcare, and so much more. I will analyze the legislation with key members of my administration, and I look forward to signing the supplemental soon."  

"We are coming together and doing what must be done for our state right now, while also building positive momentum for important initiatives moving forward," said Rep. Thomas Albert, Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. "And we are doing so while being prudent about our finances. We must always be prepared in case economic turbulence arises in the future. I want to thank Sen. Stamas and Budget Director Harkins, and I look forward to continued collaboration."

"Not only is this responsible, financial good-housekeeping that sets our state up well for the next year, but as a negotiated supplemental, I hope sets the tone for next year's budget negotiations," said Senator Jim Stamas, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "In the near term, this supplemental funding includes important line-items to aid in the continued COVID response in our communities and schools and assists in providing mental health to the most vulnerable during this time."

"I'd like to extend my sincere appreciation to both Sen. Stamas and Rep. Albert and their staff for working with me and my team in the State Budget Office to get additional federal resources appropriated before the holiday break," said State Budget Director Chris Harkins. "This work is not easy. As I've said before, we have a unique opportunity before us with all of the federal dollars at our disposal and I appreciate the fact that we have taken the time to have in-depth discussions about the best use of these dollars. I am particularly pleased that we were able to get the federal funding into the bill to help schools with COVID testing, as well as additional funding for rental assistance for those in need of that assistance. All of these pieces play a role in Michigan's continued recovery from the pandemic, helping to position the state for future success."

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