Rep. Annette Glenn, R-Midland, today continued her fight to get “real help to real people” by voting in favor of the Michigan House COVID-19 recovery plan.

The measures approved by the House would protect public health, assist struggling families and family job providers, and help students recover learning lost during a challenging year.

The $3.5 billion plan – consisting of federal relief and state funds – advances to the Senate for further consideration.

“The people of Michigan are suffering – and this is a continuation of the Legislature’s efforts to get real help to real people as they continue to navigate this devastating pandemic,” Glenn said. “A fundamental step is improving the vaccination rollout so people can feel more comfortable resuming their daily lives and activities. And beyond that, this plan helps families and small family businesses affected by the economic slowdown get the support they desperately need. The leaders of our state can come together, rally behind this plan, and give people hope for a better and brighter future.”

Highlights of the House-approved plan include:

Helping kids: The House plan provides $363 million statewide for districts committing to in-person instruction by Feb. 15, provides support through federal Title I dollars, and funds benchmark assessments to help determine where students stand after this tumultuous year. A voluntary K-8 summer school program would be funded with $135 million – plus $1,000 incentives for participating teachers, $250 incentives for participating staff, and up to $250 to help families cover associated costs such as transportation and tutoring. A high school credit recovery program would also be available.

Helping families: Families have been pushed to the brink by the governor’s COVID restrictions, which continue to be among the harshest in the nation. The House plan provides $510 million in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, while other investments support meals for seniors, mental health, and substance abuse prevention and treatment. Families also are eligible for rent and utility assistance, and a deposit into the unemployment benefits trust fund helps ensure those laid off because of COVID restrictions will continue to receive the benefits they’ve been promised.

Helping job providers: Restaurants and other small businesses – along with the workers who depend on them — are fighting for economic survival. The House plan supports businesses restricted by the governor’s COVID orders with a $415 million grant program, support for property tax relief, and help for afflicted job providers who pay into the unemployment benefits system.

Fighting the virus:  Additional resources for vaccine distribution and COVID testing would be allocated quarterly as needed – rather than all at once — to allow more legislative review of the process and ensure funds aren’t squandered. The Legislature approved more than $50 million for vaccine distribution in December. This new plan provides an additional initial investment of $22 million for vaccine distribution, and $144 million for COVID testing. Other resources will be held in reserve for when they are needed.

The recovery plan is included in House Bills 4019 and 4047-49.