In a press conference held Monday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that she's signed a $106 million COVID relief bill.

Along with it comes a separate bill extending unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks, until the end of March 2021.

In the press conference, Governor Whitmer stated that, no Michigander should have to worry about how to put food on the table or pay their bills, especially during a global pandemic."

Whitmer added,

These bipartisan bills are an important step in providing immediate relief for working families, but there is more work to do. I urge the legislature to take further action to make this permanent. 40 states, including all of our neighbors, automatically provide at least 26 weeks of unemployment relief. Michiganders deserve better than a short-term extension that expires in March. It’s time to work together on a bipartisan, long-term solution for working families.

The breakdown of this new relief bill is as follows:

  • $55 million to help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. Grants of up to $20,000 will be made available to small businesses across the state that need support this winter.
  • $3.5 million for grants of up to $40,000 each for live music and entertainment venues.
  • $45 million in direct payments to workers who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the virus.

The Governor also urged the public to, "Be patient, but be prepared to get the shot as soon as it's available".

Check out the full video of the press conference here.

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