Upton, Michigan colleagues seek full federal funding of National Guard in home state

Following the Trump administration’s announcement that it would continue covering 100 percent of the National Guard’s coronavirus relief efforts in Texas and Florida while reducing the rate to 75 percent in all other states and territories, U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) requested that Michigan also receive the higher reimbursement rate. 

“The federal cost sharing reduction from 100 percent to 75 percent could have a detrimental impact on Michigan’s ability to respond to any emerging coronavirus threats, as our state has relied heavily on the National Guard to fight COVID-19,” according to an Aug. 10 letter sent to U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper and U.S. Homeland Security Acting Secretary Chad Wolf by Rep. Upton and a bipartisan group of 12 other members of the Michigan congressional delegation, including U.S. Reps. John Moolenaar (R-MI), Paul Mitchell (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI). 

With more than 90,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan, 6,000 deaths and rising numbers of both, the members wrote that the state requires continued support provided by the activation of Title 32, Section 502(f), which federally funds the work of the National Guard and helps prevent the additional exacerbation of Michigan’s public health and economic situation.

And while the extension of the authorization for Title 32 orders through Dec. 31 is helpful, a planned reduction in federal cost sharing also could force Michigan to make additional cuts to other critical services, according to their letter.

“If recent trends are any indicator, this pandemic is far from over, and the economic impacts will be felt for years to come,” the lawmakers wrote. “That is why we ask you to extend federal funding for the National Guard for the remainder of the calendar year at a 100 percent reimbursement rate for the state of Michigan.”