Michigan Lawmakers Cut Unemployment Aid

The state Legislature beat a deadline to make Michigan workers eligible for a federal unemployment extension Thursday — but included a reduction in state-level benefits for future jobless workers.

Under a bill passed by the Republican majorities in the state House and Senate, federal unemployment checks will be extended for another 20 weeks for about 150,000 Michigan workers. But the bill permanently reduces state-level unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 20 weeks for workers who file starting Jan. 15, 2012.

Democrats opposed the new limit inserted in the bill, calling it "shortsighted and reckless."

As of late Wednesday, it was unclear if Gov. Rick Snyder would sign the bill into law by April 1, which is the deadline for Michigan to comply with requirements to get the federal extension, said spokeswoman Sara Wurfel.

"The governor's priority was to ensure no one receiving unemployment benefits was cut off abruptly," Wurfel said. "He believes we simply can't afford to let Michigan families in need face that imminent danger starting as early as next week.

www.detnews.com/article/20110324/POLITICS02/103240373/Michigan-lawmakers-cut-unemployment-aid-for-future-applicants