Gretchen Whitmer is calling for federal COVID-19 relief funding as the state surpasses 500,000 confirmed cases of the virus. The governor released a statement Monday after the state confirmed 4,992 new COVID-19 cases and 80 additional deaths over the last two days. Overall, Michigan has confirmed 502,119 cases of COVID-19 and 12,678 deaths since the start of the pandemic. “I was proud to work with the Legislature to pass and sign a bipartisan $106 Million Relief Plan for Michigan workers, small businesses, and more. There is still more work to do to beat this virus, but I know that Michiganders are up to the challenge.

Gretchen Whitmer held a briefing Tuesday (Dec. 29) to discuss the state’s handling of COVID-19, a $106 million relief bill, unemployment benefits and more. Gretchen Whitmer signs a $106 million COVID-19 relief bill on Dec. 29, 2020. “I proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November because I know how much our families, frontline workers, and small businesses need relief,” Whitmer said. Whitmer vetoes other itemsWhen she signed the relief bill, Whitmer line item vetoed any items not subject to negotiated agreement. Requests for legislationWhitmer makes public requests of the Michigan Legislature during nearly every COVID-19 briefing, and Tuesday was no different.

Michigan’s most recent COVID-19 order has issued, extended and then revised tighter restrictions on the state over the past six weeks. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says the order has greatly improved the COVID-19 situation in Michigan, but does that timeline actually line up?

LANSING, Mich. – The three major metrics Michigan uses to gauge the spread of COVID-19 continue to improve, according to an update from the state’s top health official. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, the chief medical executive for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, updated the state’s case, hospitalization and positivity rates during Gov. These regions also have the highest case rates, though both are declining in that regard. As of Tuesday, 13.8% of inpatient hospital beds across the state are being used for COVID-19 patients, Khaldun said. While the numbers improve, nearly 71,000 people have been vaccinated in Michigan, Khaldun said.

LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s COVID-19 numbers have continued to improve in recent weeks, and Gov. READ: Timeline of how COVID trends have actually changed since Michigan issued, extended, revised order“Since my last press briefing, our numbers have continued to improve,” Whitmer said Tuesday. According to the governor, Michigan’s focus on science-based action, along with cooperation from residents, is responsible for the improving numbers. “Now, because of the actions that we’ve taken, and because so many Michiganders have done their part, our numbers are better than all of our Midwestern neighbors,” Whitmer said. “These numbers are encouraging.”While no announcement was made about further reopening parts of the state, Whitmer said officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 trends closely to see if they’re affected by holiday travel.

Gretchen Whitmer has signed a $106 million relief bill and also extended COVID-19 unemployment benefits through March 2021. Gretchen Whitmer signs a bill extending COVID-19 unemployment benefits on Dec. 29, 2020. Forty states, including all of our neighbors, automatically provide at least 26 weeks of unemployment relief. Whitmer vetoes other itemsWhen she signed the relief bill, Whitmer line item vetoed any items not subject to negotiated agreement. Whitmer wants the Legislature to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits and an increase in weekly benefits.

Vaccines, testing, health providers ($69 billion)Delivers more than $30 billion for procurement of vaccines and treatments, distribution funds for states, and a strategic stockpile. Adds $22 billion for testing, tracing and mitigation, $9 billion for health care providers, and $4.5 billion for mental health. Postal Service ($10 billion)Forgives a $10 billion loan to the Postal Service provided in earlier relief legislation. The measure also provides President Donald Trump with a last, $1.4 billion installment for a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border. Business meals would be 100% deductible through 2022 and out-of-pocket health care costs would be deductible after they reach 7.5% of income.

After months of back-and-forth, Congress finally has a second COVID-19 stimulus bill. But what does that mean for Michigan residents? With the deal done, the stimulus money will soon make its way to Metro Detroiters. The $900 billion deal will give those making under $75,000 roughly $600, but there is also a payout for dependents. Some people have already received emails, calls and texts saying they need to provide personal information to get the money.

The Michigan House announced Monday morning it has approved a $483 million COVID-19 relief bill that was passed by the Senate on Friday night. According to the House, the bill includes:$64 million in small business survival relief$220 million to extend unemployment benefits$45 million in direct payments to workers who have been impacted by the virus$75 million for hospitals and healthcare workers,$22 million for increased testing$57 million for vaccine distributionThat adds up to $483 million in relief. The Senate voted 35-2 to approve Senate Bill 748. Congress is expected to pass a relief bill today that includes stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, rental and eviction relief, money for schools and small business loans. As we continue working to eliminate this virus, I urge all Michiganders to be smart and stay safe.