Michigan workers have long faced the highest unemployment rate in the country – hovering around 15 percent these days. Now tens of thousands of them face a new hurdle as their unemployment benefits begin to run out. In fact, 100,000 Michigan residents will lose their unemployment lifeline by the end of the year if nothing is done.
These workers, who are the backbone of Michigan's economy, too often have found themselves downsized or laid off through no fault of their own. They deserve a helping hand while they get back on their feet and make a better life for themselves.
House Democrats have a solution that will help our struggling workers support themselves and their families while they acquire the skills they need to land new jobs in this rapidly changing economy.
The House passed a plan in May to extend unemployment benefits for 26 weeks for workers who enroll in a vocational or retraining program to help them move into good-paying jobs in growing fields. Although the plan uses no state money – it relies solely on $138 million in federal stimulus funds – the Senate has refused to act on it. With thousands more residents seeing their unemployment benefits run out every week, there's no time to waste.
To sign a petition supporting Michigan's working families, click here.