LANSING (WXYZ) — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Thursday evening a temporary pay increase of $2-per-hour for direct care workers in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It has never been more important to care for our most vulnerable residents, and these direct care health workers are risking their lives every day to make sure we continue to flatten the curve,” Whitmer said. “It is our duty as Michiganders to ensure these front-line heroes have the financial support they need to continue doing their critical work while caring for themselves and their families.”

The temporary hourly pay increase goes to workers providing Medicaid-funding, in-home behavioral health and long-term care services to Michigan's most vulnerable residents.

The program applies to services provided between April and June, a release states.

“Direct care workers are on the frontlines and are risking their health in service of our loved ones when they need care the most,” said State Rep. Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo). "Too often, these workers are overlooked and under paid. This pay raise is well-deserved and an important step toward recognizing the invaluable service they perform. I applaud Governor Whitmer’s leadership as we advance a care agenda for our state."

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