LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan’s proposed bill to permanently extend unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks, introduced by state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit), has become a focal point of recent legislative discussions. This extension, which aims to provide additional support to residents looking for employment, is part of a broader $83 billion state budget plan that includes significant earmarks and pet projects. 

Currently, Michigan offers 20 weeks of unemployment benefits, a reduction from the previous 26 weeks in 2011 under former Governor Rick Snyder. The proposed extension seeks to align Michigan with the 37 states that provide 26 weeks or more of support.

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Whitsett emphasized the necessity of the extension, as reported by MLive: “When a person loses their job, it can become a constant struggle to make ends meet – even with the support of unemployment benefits.”

State Rep. Cam Cavitt (R-Cheboygan), on the other hand, expressed concerns that the bill would allow people to delay their job search, describing it as an “extended taxpayer-funded vacation.”

Additionally, the Michigan Chamber of Commerce has raised concerns about the financial health of the state’s Unemployment Trust Fund if the bill is passed.

The fund, already under strain due to the pandemic and past mismanagement, is being rebuilt through higher taxable wage bases paid by Michigan employers. According to MLive, Michigan Chamber officials argue that increased payouts could further threaten its stability.

Pushing back against claims that extended benefits disincentivize job searches, Whitsett said: “If you are barely making enough to survive, why would you want to stay on unemployment for longer than you need to? Make it make sense.”

On June 26, House Democrats passed the unemployment extension bill along party lines. As the Senate prepares to reconvene on July 30, the bill’s future remains uncertain.