MI HR0353

Memorializes Congress to develop a coordinated national strategy supporting small businesses and local governments affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights that non-essential business closures and reduced consumer activity caused unprecedented revenue declines and permanent closures of tens of thousands of small businesses nationwide.

Notes that local governments face severe fiscal stress from declining property, casino, and local income tax revenues, with many Michigan municipalities ineligible for direct federal aid under the CARES Act.

Identifies that CARES Act funding was insufficient for small businesses and only reached local governments with populations exceeding 500,000, leaving Michigan's nearly 2,000 local units of government largely without direct federal support.

Calls for federal-state collaboration to protect jobs, prevent permanent business closures, and help local governments avoid harmful budget cuts and recover stronger after the pandemic.