Legislation funds variety of programs to support families, workers, small businesses and communities
LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 31, 2023) — Today, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Senate Bill 7, legislation sponsored by Sen. Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing) that provides investments in job retention programs, support for small businesses, investments for housing, healthcare, and family programs, and funds that will reduce water shutoffs. Sen. Anthony attended today’s bill signing.
“Michiganders have been calling for investments to be made in a variety of programs and institutions for decades, and this new majority has shown a strong dedication to listening to those calls and getting the work done,” said Sen. Anthony. “It’s time we worked to provide residents with tangible change as soon as possible, because keeping folks in their jobs, homes, and small businesses is where our priorities are.”
SB 7 is among several bills that have been passed on behalf of Michiganders by the new Senate Democratic Majority. Some of the funding highlights that stand to benefit every corner and every sector of the state include:
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- $150 million to reduce the housing cost burden of residents and preserve existing affordable housing;
- $100 million for investment in Community Revitalization & Placemaking (RAP) projects to rehab vacant properties and develop place-based infrastructure associated with social zones and traditional downtowns;
- $75 million for blight elimination, including demolition of properties, stabilization of properties for future rehab, environmental remediation, rehabilitation and project administration;
- $75 million to help small businesses hurt by the pandemic, with at least 20 percent of awards granted to minority-owned businesses;
- $50 million to increase the supply of housing stock for construction or rehabbing of properties targeted to “missing middle” households;
- $25 million to support occupations vital to the state’s economic recovery, assist people in obtaining industry credentials and support registered apprenticeship program expansion efforts statewide with emphasis on underrepresented populations;
- $15 million to remove barriers to employment for at-risk individuals, including transportation, childcare, clothing needs and tools of the trade;
- $25 million to create the Water Shutoff Prevention Fund.
“These investments are an exciting step towards a brighter future for Michiganders across the state, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on coming up with the solutions our residents need to live happier, healthier, and safer lives,” Anthony said.
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