As the U-S Senate debates another pandemic relief package Governor Gretchen Whitmer is urging lawmakers to get a deal done.
Speaking at a news conference this morning (WED) Whitmer says extending SNAP and unemployment benefits should be top priority.
“With more than 25 million people out of work, and unemployment claims on the rise for the second week in a row, now is not the time to slash benefits that have been a lifeline for so many Americans,” said Whitmer.
The U-S House has already passed a three trillion dollar relief package that includes money for states and municipalities expecting large budget shortfalls due to the pandemic.
Also – citing the disproportionate number of Black people affected by Covid-19, Governor Whitmer has declared racism a public health crisis. She says all state employees will undergo training to recognize and prevent implicit racial bias.