Late Friday afternoon, Governor Whitmer signed the current year state budget supplemental that replaces the August CVTRS payment for all cities, villages, and townships with additional federal CARES dollars and makes some changes to the previous CARES funded programs for local units.
Following the Governor’s signature, the Michigan Dept of Treasury released the following information on the changes related to the hazard pay premium program and the public safety/public health payroll reimbursement program.
The previous July 17, 2020 application deadline for the public safety/public health payroll reimbursement program has been extended until this Friday, August 7, 2020. League members who were not able to apply by the July 17th deadline are strongly encouraged to apply by this Friday.
In addition to the application extension, local government established public safety authorities may now be eligible to apply for both programs. Local governments interested in the hazard pay premium program, but requiring advance funding from the program to offer the premium can now access the newly released Treasury application form as part of the program application packet documents on Treasury’s website to request this funding in advance of paying the premium.
Treasury Release:
Public Act 144 of 2020 was signed into law on July 31, 2020. This state law enables additional governmental units to now qualify for the First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program and the Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program. Additionally, the Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program deadline is extended until August 7 to allow local units of government that missed the prior deadline to submit their application.
Both grant programs use federal funding available to the state of Michigan through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) Act. The U.S. Department of Treasury has issued a Coronavirus Relief Fund Frequently Asked Questions document for state and local governments.
Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program Expanded and Extended
Previously only cities, villages, townships and counties qualified for the $200 million grant program. The legislation enacted expands eligibility to an authority, intergovernmental agency, or organization that was created by qualifying governments to provide public safety or public health services.
All qualifying local units of government now have additional time to apply for the Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program. All applications must be submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury by Friday, August 7.
Full information on this grant ― including overview of the grant, state of Michigan FAQs and application packet ― can be found on the Public Safety and Public Health Payroll Reimbursement Program webpage.
First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program Expanded
The legislation also expands eligibility for the First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program, which provides $100 million to fund additional compensation for first responders who have performed hazardous duty involving physical hardship related to COVID-19.
Now an authority, intergovernmental agency or organization that was created by qualifying governments to provide public safety or public health services can receive funding to pay first responders up to $1,000 per eligible employee.
Applications from qualifying entities will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis. An application is deemed to be submitted when all required supporting documentation has been emailed or faxed to the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Full information on this grant ― including overview of the grant, state of Michigan FAQs and application packet ― can be found on the First Responder Hazard Pay Premiums Program webpage.
Additional Resources
The Michigan Department of Treasury has developed a webpage with numbered letters, memorandums, webinars, and resources regarding COVID-19 updates for local governments and school districts. This webpage was created to ensure that Michigan communities have access to the most up-to-date guidance and is updated frequently with information and resources as they become available.
Treasury staff members are available to assist and answer questions regarding these programs. The following are key contacts:
Revenue Sharing and Grants Division
Phone: 517-335-0155
Email: [email protected]
Chris Hackbarth is the League’s director of state & federal affairs. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 and [email protected].