SB 745 would allocate $6 million for flood response and cleanup efforts in two Michigan counties. | Stock Photo
SB 745 would allocate $6 million for flood response and cleanup efforts in two Michigan counties. | Stock Photo
The Michigan House of Representatives recently approved a bill that will provide long-awaited funding for flood relief and authorize President Donald Trump’s federal unemployment program.
“This funding will help Michigan workers who remain unemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting shutdowns, and provide vital relief to struggling communities recovering from unimaginable flooding,” said Sen. Jim Stamas (R-Midland), according to SenatorJimStamas.com. “I want to thank Rep. Annette Glenn (R-Midland) for her leadership and hard work on this much-needed financial support to help our communities recover and rebuild following devastating flood damage in May. I also want to thank the many people, organizations and businesses who have stepped up -- and continue to step up -- to help affected residents during this tough time.”
Introduced by Stamas, Senate Bill 745 would allocate $6 million for flood response and cleanup efforts in the Gladwin and Midland areas. It would provide matching funds to available cleanup grants, facilitate debris removal and emergency protective measures, including sheltering, evacuation and chemical contamination cleanup efforts, according to SenatorJimStamas.com. The bill also includes an additional $3 million in funding for Detroit flood response and mitigation.
Sen. Jim Stamas
| #MiSenateGOP
“It was overwhelming to see the tears of hardworking business owners who had dedicated their lives to serving families in our communities and of the many families whose homes were severely damaged or completely destroyed,” said Glenn, according to Stamas' website. “I’m incredibly humbled and honored to work with Sen. Stamas to represent and fight for the people most impacted by the flood. We’re all in this together, and together we’ll recover and rebuild, stronger than before.”
SB 745 would also allocate $2.9 billion in federal funding for President Trump’s Lost Wages Assistance Program (LWA), which was established through executive order last month and was designed to provide an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits to eligible claimants.
The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) approved Michigan’s application to participate in the LWA program last month. Approximately 910,000 Michiganders will be eligible to receive the additional benefits, according to the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency.
“Our economy has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and the lockdown orders,” Stamas said, according to his website. “As a result, thousands of Michigan residents remain out of work. Thanks to the president’s actions, we can use this vital federal funding to help families make ends meet during this crisis.”
The bill also includes additional funding for Michigan’s contribution to an Asian carp barrier at Brandon Road Lock in Illinois.
SB 745 will be now be sent to the Senate for final approval before it is sent to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
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