LANSING, Mich. – Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer reached out to the Republican-led legislature to pass a $100 million package. In a letter sent to legislative leaders, Whitmer said the money would go directly to Michigan residents. She also asked to pass a permanent extension of unemployment benefits as the temporary extension runs out at the end of the year. The number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan rose to 341,941, with Friday’s update including 17,162 new cases over the last two days.

With the battle for a second round of stimulus checks stalled in Washington, there’s help out there for people who need it. The political infighting over a second stimulus in Washington has left many people out of money, and in turn, out of options. But there’s good news for Michigan residents looking for ways to help bridge the gaps. “We have a deal on unemployment benefits and liability reform," Michigan Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield tweeted Tuesday. Great news for working families and small businesses.”The bill:Extends the maximum unemployment benefit period from 20 weeks to 26 weeks.