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State Rep. Kristian Grant Returns $5,000 Pandemic Relief Grant Following County Review
State Rep. Kristian Grant, D-Grand Rapids, has made headlines after returning a $5,000 pandemic relief grant for small businesses back to Kent County. The grant was part of the county’s Small Business Recovery Fund, funded by the federal Cares Act. Grant, who is serving her first term in the state House for the 82nd District, received a total of $15,000 in grants, but a county review found discrepancies in her application for support for her business, Game Plan Lifestyle Planner LLC.
The initial review in 2022-2023 revealed that Grant had not filed an amended 2019 tax return, which could have resolved the issue. Despite assertions that the return had been filed, Grant had not done so. After extensive communications between county attorneys and Grant, the lawmaker returned the $5,000 grant.
The controversy surrounding Grant’s grants was initiated by former Kent County Commissioner Robert Womack, who lost the Democratic primary against Grant in 2022. Womack called for Grant to return the money and raised concerns about her organizing multiple businesses using her home address during the pandemic.
Grant, who is running for re-election unopposed by another Democrat, admitted to the oversight in not filing the amended return and took responsibility for the error. She stated that returning the funds was the right thing to do under the circumstances.
Kent County, which received over 5,000 applications for the relief program and approved 3,545 grants, worked with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Plante Moran to ensure applicants met eligibility requirements and monitor the process. County Administrator Al Vanderberg emphasized the county’s commitment to accountability and transparency in handling taxpayer dollars.
The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough documentation and compliance with grant requirements, especially in times of crisis when small businesses are in need of support. Grant’s decision to return the grant demonstrates a willingness to rectify the situation and uphold the integrity of the relief program.
