Complete Story
03/31/2020
COVID-19 Update from Governor Whitmer
Governor Whitmer Announces New Programs to Increase and Expand Unemployment Benefits for Workers Affected by COVID-19
Governor Whitmer made the announcement on Monday, March 30th, that there are new programs for workers affected by COVID-19. Under the federal CARES Act, Gov. Whitmer signed an agreement between Michigan and the US Department of Labor to implement Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and Compensation programs. These programs will grant benefits to workers who do not already qualify for state unemployment benefits, including self-employed, 1099-independent contractors, gig, and low-wage workers who can no longer work due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This agreement increases weekly benefits of all unemployed workers by $600 per week for up to 4 months and extends benefit payments from 26 weeks to 39 weeks. Gov. Whitmer hopes that this new agreement will provide Michiganders with a glimpse of financial security during this pandemic.
Attorney General Dana Nessel Responds to Facts and Questions on Governor Whitmer’s COVID-19 Executive Orders
Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office is receiving a multitude of questions via phone calls, emails and social media posts in regard to the coronavirus pandemic and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive orders for Michigan. To allow for the most efficient response, Nessel will be issuing videos to provide answers and clarification for Michigan residents.
Questions include such topics as, does the Center for Disease Control require employers to notify co-workers when someone has tested positive for COVID-19? Along with, what happens when businesses choose to keep their doors open during this pandemic?
The Attorney General also added a new section to its website, Know Your Employment Rights, to provide Michiganders with more information regarding the legal rights of their employees and employers under the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order. Along with a Guidance for Business link for employers.
Michigan residents can find valuable information solely on COVID-19
President Trump Approves Governor Whitmer’s Request for Major Disaster Declaration
This declaration means that Michigan is now eligible for participation in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) program to provide relief for Michigan residents impacted by the COVID-19 virus and measures to slow the spread of the virus. Funding was approved for the Crisis Counseling Program and for Emergency Protective Measures from the Public Assistance Category. Delivery of 112,800 N95 masks from the Strategic National Stockpile were delivered, along with many other necessary supplies and more promised in the near future.
