Macomb Today

Michigan Sen. Michael MacDonald (R-Macomb County) said the government needs to trim its spending to concentrate funds on the COVID-19 epidemic and prioritize an adequate supply of masks and ventilators.

“COVID-19 will have a considerable negative impact on Michigan’s economy,” MacDonald told Macomb Today in a recent interview. “To combat this health crisis, the Senate worked with the House and governor to significantly reduce spending in the recently-passed supplemental budget bills and to prioritize coronavirus response above everything else.”

As of April 16, Macomb County had 3,992 COVID-19 cases and 354 deaths, according to the state's COVID-19 website. Cumulatively, Michigan has 29,263 confirmed cases and 2,093 deaths.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed two bills lawmakers approved on March 30, securing $150 million in new funding to battle the virus outbreak, including a freeze on state hiring.

According to a report in Bridge, $80 million in general fund spending on special projects was canceled and all non-essential spending restricted.

“We’ve got to be really conservative right now,” Whitmer said, according to the Bridge report. “We know that the toll COVID-19 is going to take on our state economy and on our ability to meet the needs of people is going to be real and it’s going to be felt in the budget.”   

Some of the state projects put on hold for funding included $1 million for a bridge to Ferrysburg (Ottawa County), $2 million for the Detroit Zoo, $1 million for the North American International Auto Show, $500,000 for a Detroit Symphony Orchestra elevator and millions for other previously planned projects.

MacDonald said the government will seek to make sure enough emergency equipment including ventilators and PPE's (personal protective equipment) will be provided to first-responders and health care workers.

“The Legislature is working diligently with many stakeholders, suppliers, and the governor’s administration to ensure that Michigan’s health and safety is prioritized,” he said.