MOUNT CLEMENS – As unemployment hovers at 15 percent with 731,000 residents out of work, Macomb County lawmakers today called on the State Senate to act immediately to extend unemployment benefits to Michigan's struggling workers. With a massive surge in the number of workers exhausting their benefits expected to begin today, the lawmakers warned that by year's end nearly 100,000 Michigan workers will have their unemployment lifeline cut unless action is taken.
"Too many Michigan residents who have worked hard all their life are now out of a job and about to see their last lifeline slip away," said State Representative Sarah Roberts (D-St. Clair Shores). "We have some of the most dedicated, productive and talented workers in the world. We need to support these hard-working men and women during tough times and that means ensuring they are able to continue providing for their families as they get the training they need to transition into good-paying jobs."
Under the lawmakers' plan, which passed the House in May, unemployed workers who seek new skills by enrolling in a vocational or retraining program would be eligible 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 them for entry into new fields. These benefits also will be provided to workers who lost their job through no fault of their own and are now working part-time. For over three months the State Senate has failed to act on the plan, while more displaced workers fall behind.
"We always say that we value hard work in Michigan, but it's time to back that statement up with action," said State Representative Fred Miller (D-Mount Clemens). "It's wrong that big banks and other financial institutions have gotten help when our working families have been left struggling to make ends meet. Hundreds of thousands of Michigan workers are in need of a real solution to help get them back on their feet, and through their hard work and dedication over the years, they have earned this support."
Without Senate passage of this plan, Michigan stands to lose out on more than $138 million in unemployment assistance to struggling workers and their families as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
"Behind every layoff and corporate downsizing, is a Michigan family that's hurting," said State Representative Lesia Liss (D-Warren). "Especially here in Macomb County, we all know someone who has been affected by this economic recession. These people aren't just statistics; they are our family, friends and neighbors. Passing this plan is the right thing to do, for our workers, our economy and our state."
In July, 731,000 residents reported being unemployed, according to the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth. Through December, the number of workers statewide who will exhaust their unemployment benefits claims is expected to reach nearly 100,000, including more than 10,000 workers in Macomb County.
"Today marks the beginning of even tougher times for thousands of families who are depending on unemployment benefits to help keep them afloat while they search for work," said State Representative Harold Haugh (D-Roseville). "Too many of our dedicated workers have lost their job through no fault of their own due to downsizing or outsourcing, and they need and deserve our help. I urge the Senate to do the right thing and stand by our workers in these difficult times."
The lawmakers have launched an online petition to rally support for the plan to extend the unemployment lifeline to Michigan's struggling workers. Residents can sign the petition by visiting www.housedems.com/petitions and clicking on the unemployment petition graphic.
"Every week, more and more workers are losing their unemployment lifeline as they continue to search for a good-paying job," said State Representative Jon Switalski (D-Warren). "There is no excuse for Senate leaders to drag their feet on this important plan any longer. Now is not the time for partisan politics; it's time for action."