Governor Gretchen Whitmer and her administration have taken sweeping actions to minimize the spread of COVID-19 while Michigan philanthropy has mobilized quickly as a stabilizing force. In this unprecedented time, the scale of this crisis will require new levels of coordination between all layers of government and the charitable sector. To facilitate and inform this coordination, CMF and the Office of Foundation Liaison (OFL) have been working to provide members with direct connections to state leaders and policymakers.

Last week CMF members and our partners from the Michigan Nonprofit Association and Michigan Association of United Ways (MAUW) virtually gathered with the governor and directors of key state agencies to discuss Michigan’s COVID-19 crisis. The governor and her team shared their current thinking and approach to crisis response and concerns while identifying areas of need. Overall, state leadership affirmed the critical importance of charitable partnerships to fill key gaps, leverage response funding, stabilize local efforts and bring thought leadership to the table. 

Below are key takeaways and updates from the governor and the directors of various state agencies who joined us, as captured by the OFL:

Governor Gretchen Whitmer:

• Nonprofits and philanthropy are part of the “essential workforce” needed to respond to this global pandemic.

• Slowing the spread of the virus and buying time is a guiding principle for the state’s response.

• Projections show 70% of Michigan’s population could contract the virus; our health care system does not have the capacity to manage this scenario.

• The state needs thought partnership from philanthropy, as creative solutions during these times are more important than ever.

Robert Gordon, director, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS): 

• Social distancing: MDHHS has been aggressively communicating critical public health information, especially around social distancing.

• COVID-19 testing and tracing: Test availability is limited. There is a high demand for medical volunteers to support test delivery.

• Virus surge readiness and preparedness: As the virus has not yet peaked in Michigan, MDHHS expects expansive needs for the products, places and people required to maintain public health.

• Vulnerable populations: Seniors, pregnant women, those experiencing homelessness or unemployment and those experiencing mental health challenges may be most impacted.

Michael Rice, state superintendent, Michigan Department of Education (MDE):

• Food distribution: There are currently concerns about near-term food shortages for students.

• Distance learning: There is a massive need for devices, internet access and training for students, parents and teachers to ensure they can stay connected for e-learning.

• Equity: When it comes to the weeks of school missed, it is expected that the time out of school will disproportionately impact low-income districts.

• Mental health: There are concerns about family stress related to the pandemic and the need for social and emotional supports.

Jeff Donofrio, director Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO):

• Unemployment insurance changes: There were 129,000 claims filed in a week compared with 77,000 claims at the height of the Great Recession.

  • The changes have led to increased eligibility to include self-employed workers, small business owners and gig workers, with work requirements waived.

  • The state has also increased the maximum benefit amount; the federal relief includes an additional $600 per week.

  • The benefit period has been extended from 20 weeks to 26 weeks.

Gary Heidel, acting director, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA):

• Tax foreclosures have been temporarily suspended.

• Housing Counseling Organizations: These service providers that work with people who need housing support now need financial support to sustain and will be critical moving into recovery.

• Tenant/rent assistance: There’s a high need to support affordable housing for individuals who were recently laid off.

• Homelessness: Communities need quality space for shelter and support for service providers during this crisis.

Chris Kolb, director, State Budget Office:

• $150 million allocated at the state level so far; $1.2 billion in rainy day fund

• $2 trillion federal relief package:  Under the bill, the state of Michigan estimates it will receive $3.8 billion total with $2.1 billion allotted for state government.

• While Michigan does have support coming from the federal level, in the meantime priority needs include bridge funding for hospitals, food banks, FEMA match, utilities and preparedness equipment.

CMF is sharing the full recording of this call and other recent calls with Representative Debbie Dingell and U.S. Senator Gary Peters on our COVID-19 Resource Central webpage. Our team has added a dedicated section for state news and policy alerts to connect you to the latest developments.

CMF and OFL are continuing to develop a series of calls and webinars around the short-, medium- and long-term issues connected to COVID-19 response and relief efforts. We will be highlighting these virtual opportunities for members as well as sharing them via CMF’s events calendar as details become available.

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