State Rep. Cam Cavitt voted last week to allocate $100 million in ice storm relief to Northern Michigan, a plan he co-sponsored and spearheaded.
The relief package, encapsulated in House Bill 4328, aims to support disaster relief grants for Northern Michigan communities affected by the recent ice storm.
The grants will reimburse local communities for emergency management assistance, continued operation of warming centers, purchase of emergency supplies, cleanup and recovery efforts, energy assistance, and repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure.
“Northern Michigan is strong, but even the strongest need support after a storm like this,” said Cavitt, R-Cheboygan. “Debris is still littered across our communities – much of which will rot if we don’t act fast. People have been putting everything they have into cleaning up from this storm, but resources are almost gone. That’s why securing this funding is so important. I’ll keep fighting to make sure that help reaches those who need it most.”
The vote on House Bill 4328 followed the passage of another plan by Cavitt, House Bill 4345, which addresses ice-storm-related school closures.
The bill, which passed with unanimous support, protects Northern Michigan schools and students from mandatory summer school by allowing local school boards the discretion to waive missed days or extend the school year.
“My plan gives local school boards the power to decide whether to waive missed days or extend the school year,” Cavitt said. “Parents are calling my office day and night, anxious to know when school will be out. For students who need extra support, summer school will still be available. But forcing all students to stay longer simply adds pressure where there is already too much.”
Northern Michigan residents seeking storm relief must first report damages through the Damage Assessment Self-Reporting tool. Both House Bill 4328 and House Bill 4345 now move to the Senate for further consideration.
With both bills moving to the Senate, Northern Michigan communities and schools await further legislative action to secure the necessary relief and flexibility in recovery efforts.