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Saying that COVID-19 has had an unprecedented impact on our state budget, state leaders yesterday announced a bipartisan agreement to cut costs.
The joint release from Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey and House Speaker Lee Chatfield marked an unusual bipartisan moment.
The three said the arrangement provides crucial funding for Michigan families, schools, and communities grappling with costs incurred as a result of the virus for the rest of this fiscal year.
It promises that all parties will continue to work together to deal with the cuts that will be necessary for next year’s budget. And, it calls on Congress to provide relief funding to maintain essential state services.
The agreement spells out how federal money already allocated will be spent. A half-billion will be sent to school districts to reimburse COVID-19 costs. An additional 53-million will be used for extra pay for teachers. Universities and community colleges will get 200-million. Local governments will get 150-million.
For a more detailed breakdown, click here.
