LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — Two supplemental budget bills that provide $150 million in state funding have been signed, state legislative leaders announced.
The new funding will help in the response to COVID-19.
“Residents across the great state of Michigan need to know that the Executive and Legislative branches of state government are working together to do whatever is necessary to ensure an effective response to COVID-19," Governor Whitmer and legislative leaders said.
"Today’s signing of two supplemental budget bills will provide new state funding of $150 million to bolster response efforts. To date, the state has already expended more than $130 million to secure more than 20 million masks, more than 2,000 ventilators, nearly 9 million ounces of hand sanitizer, more than 255,000 boxes of gloves, 2.4 million gowns, more than 2,000 beds, 210,000 testing supplies, 3,000 thermometers, 185,000 face shields, 22,000 cartons of disinfecting wipes, as well as other needed supplies. The additional funding provided today, along with the supplies and funding provided by the federal government, helps ensure that Michigan has the necessary resources to save lives and slow the spread of COVID-19.”
Additionally, Whitmer signed executive directives that would temporarily suspend hiring and restrict discretionary spending in state government.
They would also temporarily suspend creating new positions, filling vacant positions, transfers and promotions within the executive branch.
“I want to thank the countless state employees who are working around the clock to protect our communities from the spread of COVID-19. We will get through this together,” Whitmer said. “As we continue to navigate this crisis, my number one priority is protecting Michiganders’ health and safety. However, we must also work to prepare our state for the impact the COVID-19 crisis will have on our economy and the state budget. These executive orders will help us do just that.”
Additonally, all executive-branch departments and agencies will temporarily restrict all discretionary spending and continue to aggressively implement cost containment strategies. These restrictions cover, but are not limited to, all non-essential contracts, purchases, travel, training, and other forms of discretionary expenditure.