The MML Review March-April 2022

Diverse Coalition Forms to Urge Strategic Investment of American Rescue Plan Funding By Josh Hovey, APR

T his year marks two full years since the COVID-19 pandemic upended nearly every aspect of life in Michigan and the country. Once-bustling downtowns became void of people. Vacation hot spots turned to a state of permanent offseason. Senior centers closed to visitors, and playgrounds were vacant as schools transitioned to online learning. Municipalities also bore a heavy burden as they struggled to maintain the staffing necessary to provide essential public services. American Rescue Plan While the pandemic is not yet behind us, Congress passed crucial funding to help communities emerge in even stronger footing than before it started. The American Rescue Plan (ARP) is a $1.9 trillion stimulus bill designed to help communities recover from the economic and health impacts of COVID-19 and the recession it caused. Michigan’s share of ARP funds totals nearly $6 billion—a figure equal to roughly half of the state’s 2022 general fund budget—that the governor and lawmakers must use toward the state’s recovery. This figure is in addition to the $4.4 billion in federal stimulus funding that was distributed directly to Michigan communities. “While the pandemic has led to immense pain, suffering, and challenges across our state, the American Rescue Plan has also provided Michigan with a once-in-a-generation opportunity. This goes well beyond any stimulus we have seen in living memory,” said Michigan Municipal League Assistant Director of State & Federal Affairs John LaMacchia.

“If our state leaders leverage these funds strategically, we can reset the entire trajectory of our state and position Michigan for prosperity for decades to come.” Coalition for a Strong and Prosperous Michigan Once the American Rescue Plan was signed into law in March, the League’s policy staff began coordinating around-the-clock with their government relations and policy counterparts at state associations and other business and community organizations around the state. Their goal was to bring as many diverse interests as possible to create a united plan that would ensure every single penny of Michigan’s $6 billion stimulus provides a maximum return on investment. The result of this work was the formation of the Coalition for a Strong and Prosperous Michigan, a nearly 60-member strong collaboration whose members range from leading state businesses like DTE Energy and Rock Central to local nonprofit organizations, mayors, and state associations like the Michigan Association of Home Builders, the Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association, and the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan. “We only have one chance to spend our ARP dollars, and we know we’ve got to get it right. Otherwise, Michigan risks falling further behind other states. So rather than every group working independently to advance its own individual agenda, we wanted to present a comprehensive investment strategy that will give Michigan a competitive edge for years to come,” said LaMacchia.

20 THE REVIEW

MARCH / APRIL 2022