By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced the “Futures for Frontliners” program April 29, providing essential workers a tuition-free pathway to college or a technical certificate if they don’t have a college degree. She also urged leaders in Congress to support U.S. Sen. Gary Peters’ Heroes Fund proposal to provide hazard pay to frontline workers who provide life-saving care, food and other critical services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Whitmer said she hopes other states will follow suit with programs similar to “Futures for Frontliners” to recognize their essential workers for putting their lives on the line during the pandemic.

MAFF previously reported on Peters’ efforts to support frontline workers by reaching out to FEMA in a March 31st letter about the dire need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline workers. Peters’ Heroes Fund proposal calls for up to $25,000 in hazard pay for essential workers and presses for additional protective gear and other measures to help ensure the health and safety of frontline workers.