Dear Friend, Thank you for reading my e-newsletter. In this edition, you will find updates on a $4.8 billion supplemental budget bill that will provide economic relief to communities, along with information about several current state grant opportunities for childcare providers, homeowner assistance, and small business relief. It is important to our local community and local economy that Kalamazoo County residents make use of these opportunities — if you or someone you know could benefit, please share with them! Please read on for more important information and, as always, please contact my office to let me know your thoughts or if we can be of any service to you. Sincerely, |
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About $3.1 billion of the $4.8 billion is coming from the federal government’s coronavirus-relief efforts. Nearly $1 billion comes from federal infrastructure dollars and $571 million comes from the General Fund. After this budget bill is signed by the governor, there will be approximately $2.8 billion of the discretionary $6.5 billion of federal COVID relief money left over. $365 MILLION IN CHILDCARE GRANTS AVAILABLE TO MICHIGAN On March 22nd, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the launch of the second round of Michigan’s Childcare Stabilization Grant program, which will distribute $365 million to give every full-time childcare professional a $1,000 retention bonus and keep childcare programs open and serving kids. During the first round of Childcare Stabilization Grant funding in January of this year, 214 licensed childcare facilities in Kalamazoo County received a total of $12,232,132 in funding for hiring, retention, and operational expenses. As a parent, I know how important access to affordable, quality, childcare is, and how critical it is that we as a state support a strong childcare infrastructure that families can count on. The Childcare Stabilization Grant application is now open for round two. Licensed childcare providers should visit Michigan.gov/childcare to confirm eligibility, review frequently asked questions, and apply. The application will be open until May 26th, 2022. This is a noncompetitive grant. All eligible applicants will receive funding. Childcare professionals will be awarded bonuses directly from their employer and do not need to apply. FUNDING STILL AVAILABLE FOR MICHIGAN HOMEOWNERS ASSISTANCE FUND (MIHAF) In February, the Michigan Homeowner Assistance Fund (MIHAF) was created to help homeowners experiencing pandemic-related financial hardships avoid foreclosure and keep their homes. MIHAF makes up to $25,000 available for help with mortgages, property taxes, utilities, and other housing hardships related to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. To be eligible, homeowners must:
Visit Michigan.gov/MIHAF or call 844-756-4423 for more information on eligibility or to apply. REMINDER: GROWING MI BUSINESS GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 31 In my last E-News, I shared information about the Growing MI Business Grant. Through this program, eligible businesses that were in operation on Oct. 1, 2019 may receive a grant equal to a percentage of their loss in total state sales during the pandemic. Eligible businesses that were not in operation on Oct. 1, 2019 but started before June 1, 2020 may receive a grant equal to 25% of specified costs representing their financial hardship. Depending on the number of businesses that apply, grants may be prorated to ensure that all eligible businesses can receive funding. The application is available as of March 1 at Michigan.gov/abr. Eligible businesses applying for a grant will be required to include financial and tax information and documentation to support their claims. Businesses must submit a completed online application to the Department of Treasury no later than 11:59 p.m. EDT Thursday, March 31. Grant awardees will be notified in the spring, and grant awards will be distributed by July 1, 2022. To learn more about the Growing MI Business Grant Program, access instructional webinars, or read frequently asked questions, go to Michigan.gov/abr. Individuals with questions about this grant program should email Treas-abr@michigan.gov. Visiting Lansing? If you plan to visit Lansing for a conference or to advocate for an issue important to you, please contact my office so we can set up a time to meet you. Paying tribute? It is my pleasure to produce official legislative tributes honoring Kalamazoo County residents for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, retirements, and special accomplishments. If you would like a tribute from state officials, please let me know and we would be glad to assist. HELPFUL LINKS |
As an elected representative, I believe in being readily available and transparent because my office is your office. |