Michigan GOP threatens to withhold billions in school funding over COVID precautions
Read full article: Michigan GOP threatens to withhold billions in school funding over COVID precautionsGretchen Whitmer is expected to pitch a multibillion-dollar pandemic relief plan during Wednesday’s State of State speech that would prioritize coronavirus vaccinations and additional aid to schools and businesses amid the crisis. The proposal came a week after Whitmer sent the Republican-controlled Legislature a $5.6 billion relief plan that would use recently enacted federal aid and state funds. Whitmer said recent events -- such as the highly contagious B.1.1.7 strain closing down Michigan Athletics and putting athletes, coaches team-staff into quarantine -- should be considered. The precautions include mandatory mask wearing, limited indoor dining, social distancing; and indoor and contact sports not being permitted. Read: Tracking coronavirus cases, outbreaks in Michigan schoolsMore: Return to School