Whitmer outlines priorities for spending federal virus aid

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has outlined her priorities for spending billions of dollars in federal coronavirus relief aid. She says the focus should be on long-lasting initiatives to help small businesses, support job growth and upgrade neglected infrastructure. Other priorities include additional public health and mental health funding, expanded access to preschool and child care, and programs to address pandemic-related learning loss. The Democratic governor said Monday that $18 billion-plus coming to Michigan as part of a $1.9 trillion rescue package is a "once-in-a-generation opportunity." Whitmer and the Republican-led Legislature will need to agree before much of the funding is disbursed.