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House Democrats unveil pandemic recovery plan, call for vote

Democrats elaborated on a $5 billion pandemic recovery plan that Whitmer announced last month.

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan House Democrats unveiled more specifics of a $5.6 billion pandemic recovery plan Monday morning.

Speakers elaborated on a plan set forth by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer last month, which rely heavily on federal funds. Her plan focuses on vaccine distribution, economic recovery, and schools. 

►Watch the press conference in full here.

Her proposal would spend $575 million in state funds along with $5 billion in federal relief authorized before Trump left office. The state funding would help K-12 schools offer face-to-face instruction and include grants to restaurants and other “placed-based” businesses hurt by the outbreak.

Last week, Michigan House Republicans unveiled their own plan, worth about $3.5 billion dollars which would utilize both federal and state dollars. Their plan focused on the economy and families, vaccine distribution, and education. 

Republican legislators do not necessarily oppose Whitmer's plan, having backed grants to workers and businesses as recently as December. But they contend Whitmer’s governing style has been unilateral and not bipartisan. They oppose the state’s 25% capacity limit for restaurants that will resume indoor dining Feb. 1, after a 2 1/2-month ban, as well an ongoing prohibition against youth contact sports.

It's likely neither House Republicans nor Gov. Whitmer's full plans become law, as power in Lansing is currently divided; Republicans control both chambers of the legislature, but Gov. Whitmer has veto powers.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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