LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate on Thursday approved legislation that would provide money for convention centers throughout the state, including the new Muskegon Convention Center, that have suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Like many industries, convention centers have not been able to conduct meetings or regular business and are struggling to make payments because of the reduction in revenue,” said Bumstead, R-Newaygo. “This measure would help struggling convention centers survive the economic downturn resulting from the ongoing pandemic.”
Because of the massive hit the convention and meeting industry has suffered as a result of COVID-19, it is believed the industry will take three to five years to recover to the level it was at prior to the COVID-19 lockdown. House Bill 6119 would help those in the industry stay afloat as the state continues its response to the coronavirus.
The measure would provide $4 million to the Michigan Strategic Fund to administer a grant program for convention centers negatively affected by the COVID-19 virus.
“Many industries across the state are hurting because of this virus, and I have supported numerous measures to provide relief to Michigan businesses and families,” Bumstead said. “I will continue to support measures that will help Michiganders affected by the coronavirus get back on their feet.”
HB 6119 will now return to the House of Representatives for a concurrence vote on the Senate’s changes.
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