State Rep. Cam Cavitt last week voted to send $100 million in ice storm relief to Northern Michigan. The plan, co-sponsored and spearheaded by Cavitt, passed the House with near unanimous support.

“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.”

House Bill 4328 would support disaster relief grants, which will reimburse local communities for emergency management assistance, continued operation of warming centers and purchase of emergency supplies, cleanup, and recovery efforts, energy assistance, and repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure.

The vote followed the passage of Cavitt’s plan, House Bill 4345, to forgive ice-storm-related school closures, protecting Northern Michigan schools and students from mandatory summer school. The bill passed with unanimous support.

“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 plans now move to the Senate for further consideration.

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