FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News from Progress Michigan
March 16, 2020
Contact: Sam Inglot, 616-916-0574, sam@progressmichigan.org
Progress Michigan Praises Governor Whitmer’s Actions on Unemployment Expansion
Amidst COVID-19 Shutdowns, Gov. Whitmer Expands Unemployment Benefits
LANSING – Today, Governor Whitmer issued an executive order that temporarily expands eligibility for unemployment benefits now through April 14 in response to shutdowns due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in the state.
“While the federal government has failed at every turn, Gov. Whitmer has shown what real leadership looks like,” said Lonnie Scott, executive director of Progress Michigan. “Instead of tax breaks for billionaires and bailouts for big business Governor Whitmer is focused on the citizens of Michigan and making sure those who are struggling to make ends meet during this crisis have the resources they need. We applaud Governor Whitmer’s efforts to contain COVID-19 and to lessen the impact to all Michiganians.”
Unemployment expansion will allow benefits to be extended from 20 to 26 weeks, increase the eligibility period to apply from 14 to 28 days, and normal in-person and work search requirements will be temporarily suspended. Among this, employers will not be charged for unemployment benefits because the shutdowns have come from the Governor’s executive order.
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