Catherwood LibraryILR School

The Michigan State Legislature passed a bill that will cut unemployment benefits by six weeks starting next year. Michigan, whose unemployment rate has been higher than 10% longer than any other state, has given 26 weeks of unemployment benefits before extended benefits paid by the federal government would kick in. Federal benefits are set to end next year. The measure was inserted into a bill meant to preserve unemployment benefits this year. Supporters of the cut say that it was fiscally necessary, and that they cannot afford the unemployment benefits they have been paying. Opponents say that there are others way to get the money without cutting off people who need the help. Other states, including Florida, are considering similar bills.