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The Macomb Daily
April 11, 2008 |
Chad Selweski
Staff Writer |
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Miller, Levin Push Jobless Pay
72,000 in Michigan soon to lose benefits |
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Michigan's struggling jobless workers would see their unemployment benefits extended for 26 weeks under House legislation that has the bipartisan backing of both Macomb County lawmakers, Reps. Sander Levin and Candice Miller.
The congressional bill would pay for 13 weeks of additional benefits in every state and 26 weeks in high-unemployment states like Michigan. Across the nation, 1.3 million workers are expected to exhaust their jobless benefits in the first half of this year, 72,000 of those in Michigan.
"In the past, extensions of unemployment benefits have come too late. We simply cannot afford to wait any longer while the nation's economic condition worsens and more jobs are lost," said Levin, a Royal Oak Democrat, in a statement.
The last time the president and Congress extended unemployment benefits was in 2002, nearly a year after an economic downturn set in. This time, the number of workers facing long-term unemployment is twice as high as during the last slide in the economy, with almost one in five going without work for six months or more.
"Many Michiganians are unfortunately faced with unemployment as our state's economy is experiencing challenges - many of whom have never needed to apply for unemployment benefits before," said Miller, Harrison Township Republican, in a news release.
"This additional aid will help families stay together, keep their homes, and provide needed temporary assistance as people look for work."
Under the bipartisan bill, jobless workers would be eligible to apply for the 13- or 26-week extensions until January 2009. The $12.7 billion price tag would be paid through a federal trust fund for unemployment insurance which has a $35 billion reserve. On Thursday, a House Ways and Means subcommittee heard testimony from economic experts supporting an extension of benefits but no votes were taken.
Advocates say that unemployment extensions efficiently boost the economy because the funds are quickly received and spent by consumers. According to one estimate of the ripple effects, every $1 increase in unemployment insurance adds $1.64 to the economy.In February, Miller and Levin both argued that expanded unemployment insurance should have been incorporated into the economic stimulus package approved by Congress.
With Michigan facing a 7.2 percent jobless rate, highest in the nation, state lawmakers in Lansing are eager to see a boost in benefits. State Rep. Fred Miller, the Mount Clemens Democrat who chairs the House Labor Committee, said the panel has two pending resolutions calling on Congress to act.
In Michigan, the maximum weekly unemployment check is $362.
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To Contact Congressman Levin: -
Email Congressman Levin In Michigan: 27085 Gratiot Ave, Roseville, MI 48066 | (586) 498-7122 | (248) 968-2025
In Washington: 1236 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 | (202) 225-4961
