While House Republicans stage party tantrums, Michigan Dems are still laser-focused on delivering

LANSING - In case you missed it, Governor Whitmer signed expanded unemployment benefits into law last week, repealing Snyder-era restrictions that hurt Michigan families. Under previous Republican-enacted laws, Michigan was one of only a dozen states with such harsh and limited unemployment benefits - now with Democrats, Michigan workers are getting better, fairer benefits while they’re looking for jobs. 

While the cost of living has gone up, unemployment benefits haven’t been increased in over 20 years. With the expanded benefits, Michigan Dems are supporting working families. Unfortunately, Matt Hall and his radical Republican caucus have shown again and again that they simply don’t care enough to help working Michiganders. 

With Republican state House control in the new year, will Hall and the MIGOP try to help Michigan workers or will they continue to be all talk and no action? We would love to see them show up for their communities, but regardless, Michigan Dems will continue to fight for working families every day. 

Read more about how Dems expanded benefits below: 

Michigan Public: Whitmer signs bills to extend jobless benefits to 26 weeks

- Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Monday that will expand unemployment benefits for people who are out of work.
- Over three years, the maximum benefit will increase from $362 per week to $614 weekly. Also, the maximum time period to collect benefits would increase to 26 weeks from 20 weeks.
- “With winter just around corner, Michiganders are still juggling high costs and a competitive job market,” Whitmer said in a statement released by her office. “These bills will put money back in people’s pockets so they can keep a roof over their heads, pay the bills, get a good-paying job, and put food on the table.”
- Whitmer said Michigan is one of just a dozen states that offer unemployment benefits that are capped at less than 26 weeks.
- Then-Governor Rick Snyder and the Republican-led Legislature rolled back the cap to 20 weeks in 2011…This legislation would not likely have gotten to Whitmer’s desk after this term as Republicans will take control of the House next year.
- Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber cheered the new laws. “This victory for working people has been over a decade in the making,” he said in a statement released by the governor’s office. “Finally, Michigan’s unemployment benefits will be restored to full strength after years of lagging behind our midwestern neighbors and practically every other state in the country.”