We’re at a tipping point in the fight against COVID-19. Great strides have been made, and most Michiganders are back to full-time work as businesses have re-opened safely. Staying vigilant will help keep new cases trending downward, so we can get back fully to our new normal.

Budget shortfalls are very real now, and Michigan needs the help of our federal government to mitigate the losses being sustained by schools and local governments. Current federal CARES Act funding is set to partially address the deficits for K-12 and Higher Ed, but this is only the beginning of the shortfalls. Flexibility from the federal government is helping immensely, and must continue.

Our Board has already been advocating that Congress appropriate additional funds to assist with our COVID-related budget deficits. We’re seeing indications of bipartisan support for a substantial state and local aid package.

In addition, Congress looks likely to extend unemployment benefits, which are slated to end next week, paired with return-to-work incentives and possibly adjusted by geography.

The best way to help keep Michigan on solid financial footing is to advocate for fair, flexible federal funding from Congress. If you have relationships with our Congressional delegation or the White House, please reach out now and ask that immediate consideration is given to helping states maneuver the continued health crisis as well as the resulting budget deficits.

Working together, we’ll get back on track soon.