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Kent County, Michigan
For Immediate Release: May 1, 2024
Contact: Lori Latham
PH:616-401-1743
EM: lori.latham@kentcountymi.gov
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Statement from Kent County Administrator Al Vanderberg on Secondary Review of Representative Grant’s Small Business CARES ACT Grants
In response to recent media inquiries regarding Representative Kristian Grant’s receipt of two separate grants from the Kent County Small Business Recovery Fund, we initiated a secondary review to ensure accountability of the program. The secondary review began on April 18, 2024.
The initial 2022-2023 review revealed a discrepancy with her Game Plan Lifestyle Planner grant application that could have been rectified if she filed an amended 2019 tax return.
During the secondary review, we discovered that Rep. Grant had not filed her amended 2019 tax returns, despite her assertion of having done so on May 2, 2023.
Our external legal counsel contacted Rep. Grant's legal counsel upon uncovering this issue. After extensive communication between legal counsels, Rep. Grant returned the $5,000 received for the Game Plan grant to Warner Norcross + Judd earlier today.
Throughout the Kent County Small Business Recovery Fund program, we were committed to ensuring the integrity of the grant distribution. We worked diligently with the Grand Rapids Chamber to ensure that applicants met the eligibility requirements, and we brought in Plante Moran to monitor the process to ensure compliance with the CARES Act rules. Committees composed of Grand Rapids Chamber and community members assessed applications. Then the County reviewed recommended applications to ensure multiple grants were not awarded to a single business. We verified taxpayer ID numbers with the Internal Revenue Service and made sure W-9s were on file for all businesses before funds were awarded.
Of the 5,090 applications received, 3,545 local small businesses received funding, reflecting a rejection or denial rate of 30.35%. This underscores the effectiveness of the County’s oversight measures. We have received no additional challenges and have no reason to believe there were problems with other applications. Residents who wish to report a specific and documented issue with a grant can contact the County Administration Office at kentcountyadministrator@kentcountymi.gov.
As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we take our responsibility seriously. We have thoroughly addressed the issues brought to our attention regarding Rep. Grant’s applications and subsequent funding. We remain steadfast in upholding the highest standards of accountability and transparency.
Given the complexity of this issue, we have developed a question and answer document and chronology of events to provide further clarity on this matter.
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