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Friend –
While the recent FDA vaccine emergency use authorization of two vaccines will give much-needed reinforcement to combat this virus and there is light at the end of the tunnel, without question this is a difficult time for Michiganders and Americans across the country. As we approach the new year, I want to provide you with an update on the end-of-year funding package and COVID relief deal as well as my other efforts in the Senate.
COVID RELIEF
I’m pleased to share that we finally came together and passed long-overdue, bipartisan COVID relief. I will not sugarcoat it: this deal does not go nearly far enough. There’s much more we must do, particularly to assist communities across Michigan that are facing budget shortfalls because of this pandemic and could be forced to make difficult cuts to essential services and force layoffs of health care professionals, teachers, firefighters and law enforcement. But there is also no question that Michiganders need help — and they need assistance immediately. This package will provide urgently needed emergency relief checks, unemployment assistance, resources for schools, support for small businesses that are struggling, and funding for vaccine distribution and support for the Postal Service.
This bill should not be the end, and I’m going to keep fighting to ensure Michiganders have the support and resources they need to overcome this historic crisis.
These negotiations again reinforced that we must work together to address the challenges facing us.
WORKING TOGETHER TO DELIVER FOR MICHIGAN
Finding common ground and bringing people together has always been my approach to serving the people of Michigan and this nation.
I’ve continued working together with my colleagues to advance legislation on priorities that not only address the pandemic but also tackle issues important to Michiganders and people across the country.
As a result, this Congress I’ve passed 14 standalone bills through the Senate, the most of any Senator in either party. I’ve also sent 10 bills to the President this Congress—no Senator in either party has advanced more standalone bills to the White House during this period. This is despite being in my first term and serving in the minority.
These bipartisan bills I have advanced:
- expand apprenticeship opportunities for veterans;
- help Great Lakes communities address rising water levels and shoreline erosion;
- close loopholes that posed a threat to our national security;
- hire more agricultural inspectors at our nation’s ports of entry; and
- improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Caregiver Program.
I’m also pleased to report that efforts by our office to assist Michiganders has resulted in returning more than $1.7 million this year in benefits they were owed. Since I began serving in the Senate in 2015, we have returned more than $9 million to constituents.
I’m looking forward to building on this progress and continuing to serve you in the United States Senate. Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy holidays and a Happy New Year.
Thanks for reading,
Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michiga
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