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Michigan Dems want quick vote to disburse federal virus aid

Michigan Democrats seek repeal of emergency manager law
Posted at 3:57 PM, Feb 01, 2021
and last updated 2021-02-01 15:57:27-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — House Democrats want a quick up-or-down vote on disbursing $5 billion in federal coronavirus relief throughout Michigan, saying the funding shouldn't be delayed by Republicans pushing to curtail state-issued COVID-19 restrictions.

The aid was enacted by Congress and then-President Donald Trump five weeks ago.

It includes money for vaccine distribution, virus testing, food and rental assistance, and education.

House Republicans are proposing to withhold $1.8 billion in federal K-12 aid unless Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cedes the state health department’s authority to prohibit in-person instruction and sports to local health departments.

House Minority Leader Donna Lasinski says that's “simply unacceptable.”