Governor asks legislature for $300M in COVID aid

State officials are asking Michigan’s legislature for help funding its COVID-19 response. Specifically, the administration of Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants $300 million to fund coronavirus testing, contract tracing, and other services related to the pandemic.

That request is in addition to an earlier one for $100 million to support people and businesses harmed by the pandemic. So far, that request hasn’t gotten any traction in Lansing.

The Request: The bulk of the money – $192 million – would go to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in order to fund coronavirus testing, contract tracing, food assistance for children, and a temporary raise for direct care workers. It would also fund the administration of vaccine distribution, if and when that happens.

Beyond the health department, the money would also fund wastewater testing to track coronavirus outbreaks, inspection of migrant housing, and testing and protection in state prisons.

“The Legislature has indicated a willingness to work with us quickly to ensure we are providing additional support for the people of Michigan,” said Chris Kolb, the state budget director, in a statement.

You can read more on MLive.