Legislation brings COVID-19 relief — and $600 stimulus checks

State lawmakers in Michigan approved a $465 million relief package this week that reportedly includes more than $63 million in grants for small businesses and individual grants of up to $1,650 per person for those who lost their jobs or wages due to pandemic-related health orders.

The Michigan House of Representatives approved the package, 97-5, Monday following a 35-2 vote from the state Senate on Friday, reports the Detroit Free Press. The measure is headed to the Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s desk for approval, though she indicated that she may use her authority to line-item veto certain portions of the legislation before signing next week.

The small business loan program reportedly caps grants at $20,000 for businesses completely closed and $15,000 for businesses partially closed due to pandemic orders. The bill also includes millions to help the state and local communities deliver and administer vaccines.

Additionally, live music and entertainment venues are eligible to receive grants of up to $40,000. Another $45 million was set aside for direct payments to workers who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the virus, with a focus on restaurant and hospitality workers.

The Detroit Free Press reports the funding could be made available as early as next month.

Federal lawmakers also passed a $900 billion pandemic relief package this week that provides $300 per week in supplemental jobless benefits and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans. The $1.4 trillion catchall spending bill also includes another round of subsidies for hard-hit businesses, restaurants, theaters, schools, health care providers and renters facing eviction, the Associated Press reports. The legislation just needs the president’s signature.

The 5,593-page legislation was by far the longest federal bill ever to be passed, AP reports.

In related news…

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services updated its epidemic order beginning this week to allow indoor activities where residents can remain masked, including inperson learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues like casinos, bowling alleys and movie theaters. Capacity will still be capped at 100 people and social distancing is still required.

The new order remains in effect until at least Jan. 15, though Whitmer remains hopeful that her administration can take “more aggressive steps” to lift restrictions on some additional Michigan businesses after Jan. 1 as cases trend in a positive direction, reports the Detroit News.

Whitmer announced this week that her administration will take a number of actions to provide support for Michigan’s families, restaurants and small businesses. Among them: Another liquor buyback program for restaurants and bars similar to the one administered last year.

The Whitmer administration also announced another $2 million for the Eviction Diversion Program to ensure that families can keep a roof over their heads this winter amid the pandemic. That program has helped an estimated 16,000 people stay in their homes to date, officials said.

The East Lansing City Council reupped an emergency declaration this week, as well as an order that requires facemasks to be worn in all indoor and outdoor public spaces — including sidewalks, streets and plazas — in downtown East Lansing through at least Jan. 31. Violations, though very rarely ticketed, are considered civil infractions and can lead to fines of up to $25.

McLaren Greater Lansing as well as the Lansing Fire Department began the process of vaccinating their staff this week after the Pfizer vaccine was distributed statewide last weekend. McLaren received 975 initial doses; The Fire Department received enough for command staff.

Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail and several other health department employees also received vaccinations this week. She urges frontline health care workers to quickly follow suit.