Advocacy News – December 3, 2020
Earlier this week, a bipartisan group composing of members of the senate along with leaders of the House’s Problem Solvers’ Caucus released a framework for a COVID-19 relief bill that could be passed by Congress before the end of the year. We are pleased that this proposal appears to be gaining momentum, as Michigan businesses cannot wait until next year for additional relief.
The Michigan Chamber, along with the US Chamber and other business groups, are encouraging Congress to enact pandemic relief in the coming weeks. We are also urging lawmakers to work with the business community to ensure that relief reaches small businesses and that the final product includes meaningful liability protections.
The bipartisan proposal is a $908 billion relief package and would include:
- $288 billion for small businesses, including funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL);
- $180 billion for additional unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, which would include an extra $300 in UI benefits for 18 weeks, including for gig workers and individuals covered under the CARES Act;
- $160 billion for state, local and tribal governments ($160 billion); and
- $16 billion for vaccine development and distribution and testing and tracing ($16 billion).
While a deal is far from final, we are encouraged by the progress that has been made this past week. We will keep members updated on the progress of these negotiations.
In the meantime, contact us at info@michamber.com so we can answer any questions you may have