State House Democrats are calling for Republican leaders to allow votes this week on spending more COVID-19 funds before the Legislature starts its spring break.
The call by House Democrats matches up with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s demand that GOP leaders adopt a new COVID-19 budget bill that includes new federal funding.
House Democratic Leader Donna Lasinski said the Legislature should not begin a spring break next week without appropriating that money.
“We have a way to bring home every penny of these stimulus dollars to Michigan today. A simple up-or-down vote.”
Lasinski said that’s especially important as current COVID plans will give less money to schools that don’t offer at least 20 hours a week of in-person classes.
GOP leaders want to hold back, though, as a check on the governor’s use of emergency powers.