Governor’s Plan to Jump-Start Michigan’s Economy

Governor’s Plan to Jump-Start Michigan’s Economy

This week, Governor Gretchen Whitmer released a proposal designed to channel $5.8 billion in combined state and federal money to jump-start Michigan’s economy. The Michigan COVID Recovery Plan primarily focuses on vaccine distribution, support for businesses and talent development.

Of particular interest to manufacturers, the Governor’s plan calls for:

Funds to ramp up vaccine distribution and expand COVID testing, tracing, and lab capacity
New programs to support small businesses, restaurants and high-tech start ups
Passage of the MMA-supported Good Jobs for Michigan economic incentive legislation
A new Office of Rural Development to address broadband, talent and infrastructure issues in rural communities
Targeted employment and training services to prepare unemployed and underemployed residents with registered apprenticeships in the energy sector
New wrap-around supports for single parents participating in Michigan Reconnect and Futures for Frontliners programs
$2 billion to help schools provide in-person education by 3/1/21 and to help address the learning loss that has occurred through the pandemic
Permanently extending unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks
Rebuilding the employer-funded Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund (UITF) which has been drained due to pandemic unemployment impacts.

More details on Governor Whitmer’s Michigan COVID Recovery Plan can be found here.

Contact MMA's David Worthams at 517-487-8511 or worthams@mimfg.org with questions on the Governor’s plan and subsequent legislative action, and register to participate in MMA’s "The State of the State and What Lies Ahead for Manufacturing Policy Priorities" webinar on 1/28/21 (registration details below).

New & Notable

Webinar: The COVID-19 Vaccine: What Manufacturing Employers Need to Know

Wednesday, January 27, 2020 at 9:30 a.m
Register online.

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced manufacturing employers to consider countless new decisions and workforce policies, not the least of which is how to handle vaccination. How will you handle employee vaccination and when will your team be eligible to receive it?

Join MMA on Wednesday, 1/27/21 at 9:30 a.m. to get prepared. In this free interactive discussion, you will get the opportunity to:

Hear from Washtenaw County Health Department Environmental Health Director Kristen Schweighoefer on how vaccines are being distributed and how local public health officials are working to expedite shots in arms.
Learn from noted labor and employment attorney Matt Radler of the Honigman firm what state and federal law says about employment policies related to employee vaccination.
Ask your questions directly of these respected professionals.

Webinar: The State of the State and What Lies Ahead for Manufacturing Policy Priorities

Thursday, January 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m
Register online.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer will deliver her third State of the State Address on Wednesday, 1/27/21, and for the first time in history, the Governor’s annual presentation of policy priorities will be delivered virtually.

Join MMA’s Government Affairs team on Thursday, 1/28/21 at 11:00 a.m. to learn about the path laid forth by the Governor, how it aligns with MMA's manufacturing agenda and how legislative leaders are responding.

ICYMI: Recent Webinar Recordings Available

Visit MMA’s Online Learning Center for the following COVID-19-related webinars:

PPP Round 2: What You Need to Know
Presented by MMA and Butzel Long
What to Do When Customer or Supplier Financial Distress Stresses You Out
Presented by MMA and Wolfson Bolton PLLC
Gain Insight into COVID-19 Special Enforcement Efforts
Presented by MMA

(please note, you must be logged into the MMA website to access member-exclusive webinars)

Resources for Manufacturers

Stay updated and compliant with the many changes imposed over the last few weeks. Find state, federal and member resources on MMA’s COVID-19 Resources.