LANSING – Gov. Gretchen Whitmer targeted education and help for unemployed people in a $67.1-billion state budget unveiled Thursday that she said is aimed at ensuring the state recovers quickly from the economic shock of the coronavirus pandemic.
Improving bridges, roads and other state infrastructure is also a major focus of the budget plan, which proposes no tax increases.
In terms of priorities, Whitmer said her 2022 spending plan cannot be separated from a $5.6-billion supplemental spending plan for 2021 that she requested in January as a major coronavirus recovery package. It proposes $225 million aimed at small businesses, more than $90 million to step up vaccinations, and billions for food assistance and schools. It has not yet been approved by the GOP-controlled Legislature.
/
Montana Democratic Rep. Moffie Funk introduces House Bill 228 to the House Business and Labor Committee on Feb. 10, 2021.
A handful of business owners and advocacy groups Wednesday testified in support of a Montana bill that would create a state run system to fund family and medical leave. Business association lobbyists oppose the proposal.
Under House Bill 228, workers and employers would contribute to a state run insurance pool that would fund up to 12 weeks of paid leave for people with a newborn baby, serious medical condition or family member with a major health issue who needs regular care.
Sponsor and Helena Democratic Rep. Moffie Funk said the proposal would strengthen Montana’s workforce by making the state a more attractive place to work.
Raising the state minimum wage to $15 an hour has been a long-term goal of progressive advocates and labor unions, but small business groups have attacked it as a job killer.
Both Massachusetts and Connecticut have approved multiyear minimum wage increases that maintain higher wages than the legislation passed by the Senate. Massachusetts is set to get to $15 an hour by Jan. 1, 2023 and Connecticut by June 1 of the same year.
Senate leaders passed up on a more aggressive proposal from Sen. Frank Ciccone, a Providence Democrat, which, in addition to moving to a $15 minimum wage by July, 2023, would have raised the tipped minimum wage and created automatic inflation-triggered increases in the minimum wage after 2024.
Eagle Country 99.3 By Indiana House Republicans, news release
Shutterstock photo.
(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation that would establish the Hoosier Hospitality Small Business Restart Grant Program to support Indiana s jobs and economy, according to State Reps. Randy Lyness (R-West Harrison) and Cindy Ziemke (R-Batesville).
“Hoosier small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry, were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic,” said Lyness, vice chair of the House Committee on Employment, Labor and Pensions. “These funds will build on Indiana’s existing efforts to support local small-business owners and entrepreneurs who need it the most.”
The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated the challenges of our healthcare system, as millions of Americans lost their jobs through no fault of their own- and their employer-sponsored health insurance in a historically difficult period, said Senator King. This is critical legislation that can help states like Maine extend life-saving healthcare coverage.