Unemployed people in Michigan have a harder time getting jobless benefits than in other states in the Midwest. That’s according to a report from the Michigan League for Human Services.
The report also says Michigan pays the lowest maximum unemployment benefits in the region to people out of work.
Peter Raurk wrote the report for the Michigan League for Human Services.
“Giving unemployed families unemployment insurance benefits while they look for work helps to keep the economy going,” said Raurk.
Raurk says making sure unemployed people have access to jobless benefits helps stimulate the economy.
“When people suddenly do not have income, they’re not going to spend that income at local businesses. And places with very high unemployment often have businesses that experience difficulty because of less consumer spending.”
The report also says Michigan provides the fewest weeks of unemployment coverage in the region. Raurk says the Legislature should not approve proposals that would make it even more difficult for workers to get unemployment benefits.
