Rep. Graham Filler tonight voted in favor of a new emergency budget plan adding another $125 million to help the state of Michigan and local communities respond to coronavirus.

The measure brings the total state funding approved to $150 million, including the $25 million approved by the Legislature last week. The plan will provide $50 million for immediate needs such as virus monitoring and testing, $50 million for critical health care providers to expand capacity for coronavirus response, and $50 million to keep in reserve for when necessary.

The measure also will make it easier to use federal assistance related to coronavirus.

“Michigan is facing an unprecedented health crisis, and we must make sure Sparrow and McLaren Greater Lansing, as well as our community health clinics, have the resources they need to address it,” said Filler, of DeWitt. “As the husband of a physician, I feel this crisis deeply. I know our health care workers are on the front lines caring for our community. We must make sure they have the proper resources to do their jobs effectively, and that oversight is provided to ensure this funding goes directly to where it is needed most.”

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Prevention steps include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or upper sleeve when coughing or sneezing.     
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.     
• If you are sick, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
• Stay at least 6 feet away from others when in a public setting.   

Reliable information about COVID-19 can be found at www.michigan.gov/Coronavirus and www.CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

Rep. Filler said people with questions or concerns about state government, as well as residents who need help, can reach his office by calling (517) 373-1778 or emailing [email protected].

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