February 19, 2009 - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Labor, which creates a new federally-funded program that will increase unemployment benefits by $25 a week beginning in early spring through calendar year 2009.
"I congratulate President Obama for signing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law and for taking bold steps to get our economy back on track," said Governor Granholm. "This program, as well as others, will provide help for struggling Michigan families by putting more money into people's pockets and providing a safety net during this national economic crisis."
Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) also announced that the act will extend the federal emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) program until December 31, 2009. The EUC program was originally scheduled to end in March of this year.
In addition, the federal economic stimulus package is exempting the first $2,400 in unemployment benefits from federal income tax.
Furthermore, the federal government will waive interest payments on outstanding loan balances to Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund through December 31, 2010.
Governor Granholm welcomed the added federal unemployment benefits and said they will be a great help to the many Michigan workers and their families who are trying to cope economically during this difficult period in Michigan and our nation.
Read more releases from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth
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