Rep. Thomas Albert and the Michigan House today approved a $1.2 billion plan expanding early treatment capacity for COVID-19 patients, keeping schools open for in-person learning, and easing worker shortages in the health care system.

“This plan addresses some of the most important COVID-related issues facing Michigan today,” said Albert, chair of the House Appropriations Committee. “It will help more people infected with the virus recover faster and more fully. It will help keep our kids in school so they can catch up on lost learning. And it will provide reinforcements for weary workers at short-staffed hospitals and other health care providers who have bravely battled this pandemic the past two years.”

The plan nearing final legislative approval stems from one first proposed and approved by Albert and House colleagues in December. Resources come from federal COVID relief funds.

Highlights of the plan include:

Early treatment in COVID cases: A $175 million investment will help set up eight regional centers across Michigan to speed delivery of early treatments proven to help lessen the severity of COVID and allow patients to recover more quickly. Studies suggest monoclonal antibodies, for example, can reduce the risk of hospitalization or death for COVID-positive patients by up to 85 percent.

Easing the health care worker shortage: A $300 million investment will help hospitals and other short-staffed health care providers retain, recruit and train more workers. An additional $114 million will be provided for adult foster care facilities, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.

Keeping students in school and protecting residents: An additional $150 million will provide more screening and rapid testing in schools, helping classrooms stay open for in-person instruction. Overall, the Michigan Legislature has appropriated roughly $6 billion more in additional, one-time federal and state funding to help schools navigate the pandemic over the past two years.

Strengthening other community health efforts: An additional $367 million will help Michigan communities continue outreach and testing efforts. More support is included for child welfare, homeless shelters, respite care and other services.

House Bill 5523 returns to the Senate.

###