LANSING – As part of their continuing effort to help Michigan workers who are struggling in the global economic crisis, House Democrats today passed a plan to extend unemployment benefits for workers who take advantage of retraining or vocational programs to pursue good-paying jobs available now in high-demand fields. Michigan's unemployment rate is currently 12.6 percent, the highest in the nation.
"Too many Michigan workers have lost their jobs through no fault of their own, and we will not abandon them in these tough times," said State Representative Richard E. Hammel (D-Mt. Morris Township), who sponsored the plan. "We must stand up for the workers who built the middle class in this country. This plan will get displaced workers back into the workforce with the skills they need to find a job in growing fields like renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and health care."
Under the House Democrats' plan, unemployed workers who are enrolled in a vocational or skill retraining program for an additional 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. These benefits will be automatically provided to workers who are in a declining industry and enter an approved training program that prepares workers for entry into a high-demand occupation. Under this program, workers will be able to complete their training and have the time they need to move back into the workforce.
"The economic downturn we're working to recover from is what necessitated this package," said State Representative Bert Johnson (D-Detroit). "Our legislation affords our citizens who've found themselves jobless the opportunity to retrain themselves for another career without the additional burden of having absolutely no income. The extra half-year of unemployment benefits will keep families strong during this time of transition."
The stimulus dollars would cover funding for workers in retraining for at least the next two years. Without this plan, Michigan stands to lose out on more than $138 million in unemployment assistance money as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in February, Michigan's underemployment rate was 19.1 percent, according to an April 14 article in The Detroit News. This number includes both unemployed and those who are looking for a full-time job and are unable to find work.
"This plan will help those workers who have worked hard and played by the rules, yet have found themselves laid off or downsized," said State Representative Steven Lindberg (D-Marquette), Chair of the House Labor Committee. "The workers who have suffered the brunt of this recession deserve the opportunity to get back on the job and get the training they need for the jobs of the 21st century economy. By getting our workers the training they deserve, we'll show them that Michigan truly values hard work."
State Representative Mark Meadows (D-East Lansing), also
praised the plan.
"Big banks and lenders on Wall Street shouldn't be the only ones getting help in this economy," Meadows said. "Our
workers on Main Street deserve help too. Our workers, many of whom have given years of their lives to the company they
worked for, should not be abandoned in this down economy. In order to turn our economy around, we must help our workers
and their families."