With bipartisan support, the Michigan legislature has approved a COVID-19 relief package that will now go to Governor Whitmer’s desk for signature. The Governor has said she will sign the package, which includes $55 million in small business relief, $3.9 million in relief for live music and entertainment venues and $45 million in direct payments to workers who have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the virus, with a direct focus on restaurant and hospitality workers. The supplemental also includes funding to support the delivery and administration of COVID-19 vaccines, additional personal protective equipment and other funds to keep frontline workers safe.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) updated its epidemic order to allow indoor activities where Michiganders can remain masked, as this has been scientifically shown to slow the virus. This includes in-person learning at high schools and indoor entertainment venues. Casinos, bowling centers and movie theatres will be allowed to reopen with total capacity capped at 100, although food and drink concessions will be closed, and social distancing requirements will remain in place. The new order is effective Monday, Dec. 21 and will last until Friday, Jan. 15.

Frontline workers have until Dec. 31 to apply for the Futures for Frontliners program, which offers free college tuition towards an associate degree or industry-recognized certificate at a community college – even if they have not completed their high school diploma. Interested frontline workers should visit michigan.gov/Frontliners to explore statewide and regional in-demand career opportunities and get started on their application.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) released a competitive Request for Proposals to fund registered apprenticeship expansion across the state. More than $11 million is available to fund grant awards to groups of statewide and/or local partners who will work as Regional Implementation Consortia to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities. LEO anticipates funding between 10-15 awardees, ranging from $300,000 to $1.1 million each. Request for Proposal submissions are due by Feb. 1, 2021 with awards announced on March 1, 2021. A pre-submission informational webinar will occur on Jan. 6, 2021 to provide an overview of the process for potential applicants.

Access additional COVID-19 resources for businesses and communities by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19. Read more about programs supporting economic recovery for Michigan businesses by visiting michiganbusiness.org/covid19response.

Visit michigan.gov/coronavirus to find other valuable resources for employers, workers, residents and communities.