2020
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation approving $106 million in COVID-19 relief funds, benefiting unemployed workers and small businesses, but line item vetoed millions in additional dollars approved by the state legislature.
The relief bill the governor approved includes $55 million for small businesses impacted by COVID-19, with grants up to $20,000 available. Another $45 million will be used for direct payments to workers who have been laid-off and furloughed due to COVID-19 and $3.5 million in grants, up to $40,000 each, for live music and entertainment venues.
Whitmer also signed Senate Bill 604, extending unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks through the end of March 2021 for Michigan workers who have lost work due to the pandemic.
The governor, who proposed this stimulus plan to the legislature in November, line item vetoed any items “not subject to negotiated agreement.” She vetoed $220 million for the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, a pool of funds which helps businesses fund benefits for laid off workers.
“General fund dollars must be used to fund essential services like vaccines and PPE, not to give tax breaks to big businesses,” Whitmer said. "It (the veto) does not jeopradize a single effort to help our unemployed.”
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
The state’s health department eased up on COVID-19 restrictions as the overall case rate has declined in recent weeks. The revised mask wearing and social distancing epidemic order goes into effect Dec. 21.
Under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) order, high schools may resume in-person learning, but colleges and universities are being asked to wait to bring students back to campus until mid-January. The order remains in effect through Jan. 15.
Some indoor entertainment venues can reopen with individuals masked and socially distanced, no food or drink concessions, and capacity capped at 100. Up to six people from the same household may gather at the following locations: Casinos, bowling centers, movie theaters, theatres, bingo halls, and arcades.
Outdoor group fitness classes and non-contact sports are allowed. However, indoor group fitness classes, indoor sports and contact sports, except professional sports, remain closed. Stadiums, and arenas are open for up to 250 people for non-contact sporting events. Only individual exercise is allowed at reopening roller and ice rinks with occupancy limited to two people per 1,000 square feet.
Indoor dining at restaurants and bars is still closed. Indoor residential gatherings remain limited to two households and a maximum of 10 people. Night clubs, trampoline parks and water parks remain closed. Workplaces are still not open for those who can work from home.
For the complete order and and informational graphic, please click on the links below:
By Jennifer Gomori, MAFF Editor
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced a 12-day extension of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) epidemic order which closed some businesses, including indoor restaurant dining, some in-person learning, and continues a work from home order.
Whitmer extended the previous “Pause to Save Lives” three-week order, which expires Dec. 8, to Dec. 20 to allow state health officials to continue to assess the impact Thanksgiving travel is having on COVID-19 spread.
Whitmer said the state will use three metrics to determine when the order expires: COVID-19 positivity rate, number of cases and percent of hospital beds with COVID-19 patients.
Currently the following are closed: high schools, colleges and universities for in-person learning; restaurants and bars for indoor dining; organized sports, except professional sports; and theaters, movie theaters, arenas, stadiums, bingo halls, casinos, arcades, bowling centers, trampoline parks, indoor water parks and group fitness classes.
Residential gatherings are limited to two households at any given time. Face masks should be worn when indoors with others not in your household.
For more information, see the Pause to Save Lives graphic and the MDHHS Gatherings and Face Mask Emergency Order.
MAFF regrets to announce the cancellation of the traditional Holiday Open House this year due to current COVID-19 restrictions.
While we are limited in ways we can gather safely this year, MAFF recognizes the tremendous contributions our members have been making throughout this pandemic.
"In a year filled with challenges, we're grateful for all that you do," said Fred Timpner, MAFF Executive Director. "We wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday season along with a bright new year."
FireGrantsHelp provides assistance obtaining fire grants
The FireGrantsHelp Team shared an article by columnist Jerry Brant about how a Joe Biden presidency may impact fire department and EMS funding.
FireGrantsHelp also provided many other links to help departments with obtaining grants and another article by Brant with guidance when applying for grants using the best verbage to describe your department and coverage area.
Brant's Column about a Biden presidency
Brant's article providing guidance obtaining grants
The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant application period opens soon. Please use these helpful links to prepare for SAFER and other fire department related grants:
FireGrantsHelp customized grant assistance by category
FireGrantsHelp grant writing program
GrantFinder Demo for grants available to local governments
For more information on fire grants, contact FireGrantsHelp for expert assistance.
- Karoub Associates issues special Karoub Report 2020 Election Edition pending official results
- Governor signs COVID-19 bills to extend unemployment, protect workers, employers, nursing home patients
- Open carry banned from polls, absentee ballots due by election day, COVID-19 orders, legislation top news
- Governor signs Emergency Rules to protect frontline workers, provide workplace safety for all employees
- Militia groups plans to kidnap Governor Whitmer, overthrow government thwarted
- State health department issues emergency order after Governor’s emergency powers revoked
- Whitmer reopens movie theaters, bowling alleys and venues, increases gathering limits
- MAFF fire departments safely share National Fire Prevention Week messages during pandemic
- FY 2021 budget cuts spared, postmarked ballots to be counted, Governor discusses lifting Emergency Order
- Deadline approaching to nominate MAFF Fire Fighter of the Year
