LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan that will spread $1.9 billion of federal stimulus funds across 10 state departments to create jobs, revitalize Michigan's economy and strengthen services that the state offers to Michigan residents. The plan now heads to the Governor's desk to be signed into law.
"Our families, our workers and our businesses are all feeling the pain of Michigan's struggling economy," said House Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer (D-Dundee). "This investment in Michigan will help support countless individuals and strengthen our state now as we continue to work toward revitalizing our economy. While this funding will not solve our economic concerns, it will be the cornerstone of building a stronger economy and stronger Michigan."
The funding, which is provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), will bolster Michigan's economy by directing federal funds to shovel-ready projects in order to create thousands of jobs, and by shoring up funding for necessary services to help more residents in need.
The plan that passed the Michigan House today will provide:
- $900.5 million to the Department of Education, which will focus on handicapped preschool initiative grants, special education, assisting at-risk children and school improvements.
- $435 million to the Department of Human Services for weatherization programs, food assistance and other community assistance.
- $236 million to the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth to support energy efficiency programs, unemployment and employment services, and workforce training programs.
- $46.5 million to the Department of Community Health to support the crime victims fund, crime prevention programs and senior assistance.
"This investment in Michigan will strengthen our state now as we work to get our economy moving in the right direction," said State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland). "This plan supports important services, such as health care, for our residents and gives our schools the funding they need to teach the next great generation of Michigan workers. I applaud my colleagues in both the House and Senate for acting quickly to help send this plan to the Governor."