June 17, 2021
Whitmer’s Unemployment Program Incentivizing People Not to Work Struck Down by The State House
Lansing, Mich., June 17, 2021 – This evening, the State House voted to undo Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s continued extended unemployment benefit, which has caused massive labor shortages in the state and forced businesses to downsize or close their doors completely.
This vote came the same day that the House Workforce Committee heard testimony from a group of small business owners across Michigan. Today’s testimony highlighted the devastating impact of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s continuation of the $300 weekly federal supplemental unemployment benefit on small businesses. WATCH:
Whitmer’s plan to continue providing extended unemployment benefits has come under fire from lawmakers and citizens alike, as Michigan businesses struggle to find employees who would make more money not working, than if they were to take one of the thousands of open jobs in Michigan. The Detroit News reports:
“During a more than hour-long hearing Thursday, employers from across the state aired their frustrations with the depleted and unpredictable worker supply, with many urging a change to federal unemployment payments… Rep. Beth Griffin, the Mattawan Republican who chairs the Workforce, Trades and Talents Committee, called on Whitmer at Thursday’s hearing to decline the $300 federal unemployment benefits for Michigan as soon as she removes the remaining restrictions on gatherings and masks.”
In the same report, the Detroit News highlighted that Governor Whitmer can decide to end the extended unemployment without legislative action.
“Whitmer’s continuation of the $300 federal supplemental unemployment benefits is having a devastating impact on Michigan small businesses. This policy, while beneficial during government-mandated closures, has run its course, and must end now,” said Eric Ventimiglia, executive director for Michigan Rising Action.