Kildee: Reductions to UI Benefits Short-Sighted, Cruel Blow to Hardworking Michigan Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Dale E. Kildee (D-MI), urged Governor Rick Snyder to veto HB 4408, which would reduce Michigan unemployment benefits from 26 to 20 weeks. Congressman Kildee further urged the Governor to call back the legislature to come up with a clean bill to extend federal unemployment benefits before the April 1st deadline.

“Over the last ten years, Michigan has lost over 800,000 jobs and our state continues to struggle with an unemployment rate of 10.4 percent. For many of Michigan’s hard-working families, unemployment benefits are a critical lifeline that helps them stay in their homes and put food on the table.

Despite the importance of these benefits, the Michigan legislature passed HB 4408, which would limit unemployment benefits for workers who apply starting January 15, 2012. If this short-sighted bill is signed into law, Michigan will be the first state in the nation to reduce unemployment benefits to 20 weeks, a cruel blow to a state that has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Too many Michigan families are struggling to stay afloat – we should be supporting these families, not pulling the rug out from under them.

As the economy continues to recover from the financial crisis and Michigan families continue to struggle to make ends meet, this is not the time to limit this vital lifeline. I urge Governor Snyder to veto any legislation limiting unemployment benefits and work with the state legislature to protect Michigan families,” said Congressman Kildee.