This week, along a nearly party-line vote the Senate voted to expand unemployment benefits for Michigan residents.
Key Points:
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- Senate Bill 40 was introduced by Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren)
- The bill increases the maximum number of weeks per year a person may qualify for unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks.
- Prior to 2011, the maximum number of weeks had been 26, before it was decreased to 20 weeks. This bill would take the state back to that previous number.
- Additionally, it incrementally increases the weekly benefit rate for each dependent in the following manner:
- Beginning January 1, 2025 – $12.66/dependent, with a maximum rate of $446.
- Beginning January 1, 2026 – $19.33/dependent, with a maximum rate of $530.
- Beginning January 1, 2027 – $26/dependent, with a maximum rate of $614.
- After January 1, 2028, the state treasurer will make adjustments to the rate reflecting the “cumulative annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index.”
Next Steps:
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- The bill will be sent to the House for consideration.
