Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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January 18, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2019
Gov. Whitmer Asks Department of Labor to Permit Federal Employees Working Without Pay to Receive Unemployment Insurance
Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer sent a letter to Department of Labor Secretary Alex Acosta requesting that the Department waive existing unemployment insurance eligibility rules to allow the State of Michigan to provide unemployment compensation to federal employees who are required to work without pay during the government shutdown.LANSING –
“These dedicated public servants need our help to ensure they can survive the shutdown without losing their homes or their ability to support themselves and their families,” said Whitmer. “It’s time for Secretary Acosta to do the right thing and waive these rules so states like Michigan can give federal workers who are forced to work without pay the support they need to get by during this stressful time.”
The partial federal government shutdown began on December 22, 2018, resulting in “non-essential” federal workers being furloughed and “essential” federal workers being forced to work without pay. Governor Whitmer has secured relief for furloughed workers, but federal regulations prevent the state from helping employees who are required to work, but are not being paid.
To view the full letter, click the link below:
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