Despite Concerns, Peters, Stabenow, Bergman Support COVID-19 Relief Bill

Michigan U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, and First District U.S. Representative Jack Bergman all voted in favor of the compromise budget and COVID-19 relief bill yesterday, but all expressed reservations about the contents, and the process.

Peters said the deal does not go far enough to provide relief for those hit hard by the pandemic. Stabenow agreed that “more must be done next year.” Bergman said he is disappointed with Washington’s continued dysfunction, and called the last-minute rush to a deal an “irresponsible and a reckless approach to federal budgeting.”

Highlights of the COVID-19 portion of the bill include stimulus checks of up to $600 for families with incomes below $75,000 per year, supplemental unemployment benefits of $300 per week, and money to support food assistance programs, schools and small businesses.