LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Monday, Michigan House Democrats joined a workers’ rights advocate and a Grand Rapids small business owner in calling for immediate action to increase and expand unemployment benefits, along with other measures to improve Michigan’s unemployment system.
House Democrats introduced HBs 4894-4898 in September 2019. The bill package aims to strengthen unemployment protections and expand benefits, allowing workers to focus on finding a new job without worrying about how they’re going to pay bills.
“The state’s unemployment benefits system is broken, inadequate and in need of reform,” director of the University of Michigan Workers’ Rights Clinic Rachael Kohl said. “The Workers’ Rights Clinic has assisted hundreds of Michigan residents who find themselves unemployed, and I believe these important bills go a long way toward fixing this outdated and inadequate system.”
HBs 4894 and 4895, sponsored by Reps. Donna Lasinski (D-Scio Township) and Terry Sabo (D-Muskegon), will extend the duration of benefit weeks and increase the benefits Michigan residents receive.
“Michigan’s unemployment system is outdated and wholly inadequate, and frankly we aren’t providing enough basic support to ensure hardworking Michiganders are able to survive while they’re out of work,” Sabo said. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent surge in cases has put additional strain on our economy so we need to take immediate action that builds on what Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has implemented and permanently increase how much assistance Michigan families receive.”
Lasinski also spoke on the bill package.
“Michigan currently falls behind every other Midwestern state in the support available for workers when they lose their jobs through no fault of their own,” Lasinski said. “With COVID-19 cases on the rise, we need to be doing all we can to help Michigan workers and families survive and get back on their feet. People will be able to actively look for work and keep our economy moving forward through a permanent extension of benefits to 26 weeks.”
Additionally, Kris Spaulding, co-owner of Brewery Vivant, spoke during the conference.
“Michigan’s hardworking families and small business owners are at a critical breaking point,” Spaulding said. “Many workers are counting on unemployment support to weather this storm and hang on in a fragile economy that is struggling to get back on track. This legislation will help workers and small businesses alike, pumping much needed revenue directly into our small businesses like grocery stores, hardware stores, restaurants and breweries. As a small business owner, I support this legislation and urge the Legislature to act without delay.”
