For Immediate Release
March 24, 2022
Contact:
Alex Rossman
arossman@mlpp.org
517-775-9053
Bipartisan infrastructure funding makes historic investments to support residents and communities, tackle crises and prevent others
Today’s allocation of ARPA dollars addresses many of the League’s longstanding and pandemic-related priorities, lays foundation for common ground on 2023 budget, additional ARPA distribution
LANSING—The Michigan League for Public Policy issued the following statement on the Michigan Legislature’s passage of Senate Bill 565, which provides nearly $5 billion in state and federal funding to make historic investments in residents and communities’ pressing needs. These investments include updating crisis-level water infrastructure in Benton Harbor and other communities; replacing lead service lines around the state and implementing ‘filter first’ protections for school drinking water; putting money into the Housing and Community Development Fund, the state eviction diversion program and efforts to repair and refurbish existing homes; and working to make reliable internet available to all residents, regardless of where they live or how much money they make. The statement can be attributed to League President and CEO Monique Stanton.
“We appreciate the commitment and all the work behind the scenes to reach this agreement and release this vital funding. This is exactly what this federal money was intended for, to address the crises facing Michiganders and our communities while also making one-time investments that can permanently transform our infrastructure, our lives and our future. This legislation rightfully recognizes the individual and collective needs of our communities, addressing immediate crises and preventing future ones around the state and directing funding to residents and communities with the greatest current challenges.
“Throughout the pandemic and before it, the League has been advocating for affordable, accessible housing, improved broadband access, and safer water infrastructure as ways to make Michigan a better place for all residents now and in the future. And these represent many of the areas of investment in today’s deal. Today’s agreement shows yet again that policymakers can find common ground, even amidst contention and political tension, and that all of Michigan reaps the benefits when they do. We hope this compromise can serve as inspiration for continued collaboration on additional, equally historic supplemental funding and a 2023 state budget that works for everyone.”
BACKGROUND:
League American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Investment Priorities
COVID-19 Policy Briefs (Published March 2020, Updated Nov. 2020)
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The Michigan League for Public Policy, www.mlpp.org, is a nonprofit policy institute focused on opportunity for all. Its mission is to advance economic security, racial equity, health and well-being for all people in Michigan through policy change. It is the only state-level organization that addresses poverty in a comprehensive way.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Jacob Kaplan 
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Donald Stuckey 
Patrick Schaefer
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
