Senate Expands Unemployment Benefits

Dec 6, 2024

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

This week, along a nearly party-line vote the Senate voted to expand unemployment benefits for Michigan residents.

Key Points:

    • 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:

    • The bill will be sent to the House for consideration.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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