State Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, 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 measures bring 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.

“This funding will help families in Midland and Bay counties and throughout the entire state as we respond to coronavirus,” Rep. Glenn said. “My colleagues and I are working together diligently in a bipartisan way to fight this public health challenge. I encourage people to continue to follow the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines to avoid spreading the disease, as well as employers to continue encouraging their workers to stay home if they are sick. If we all fight together and take proactive steps, we will overcome this.”

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.

“As always, if you or anyone you know has questions or concerns about any issue involving our state government, please feel free to contact my office,” Glenn said. “Your health and safety continue to be my top priorities.”

Rep. Glenn can be contacted at 517-373-1791 or at [email protected].

People can also call the Michigan COVID-19 hotline at 888-535-6136. The hotline is available every day from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.