LANSING – As part of their continuing effort to help Michigan workers who are struggling in the global economic crisis, State Representatives Deb Kennedy (D-Brownstown) and Dian Slavens (D-Canton) today voted to extend unemployment benefits for workers who take advantage of retraining or vocational programs to pursue good-paying jobs available now in high-demand fields. Michigan's unemployment rate is currently 12.6 percent, the highest in the nation.
"It is no secret that Michigan's unemployment rate is tied directly to our economic woes," Kennedy said. "By giving our workers the tools they need to get retrained in new fields, they can be prepared for the good jobs of the 21st century. Along with the many tax incentives for businesses the Legislature has already passed, a well-trained workforce is key to attracting good-paying job providers to Michigan and getting ourselves out of this current economic situation."
Under the plan, unemployed workers who are enrolled in a vocational or skill retraining program qualify for an additional 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. These benefits will be automatically provided to workers who are in a declining industry and enter an approved training program that prepares workers for entry into a high-demand occupation. Under this program, workers will be able to complete their training and have the time they need to move back into the workforce.
The stimulus dollars would cover funding for workers in retraining for at least the next two years. Without this plan, Michigan stands to lose out on more than $138 million in unemployment assistance money as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that Michigan's underemployment rate was 19.1 percent in February, according to an April 14 article in The Detroit News. This number includes both unemployed and those who are looking for a full-time job and are unable to find work.
"Our workers built the middle class and deserve support in these tough times," Slavens said. "This is an economic stimulus plan that rewards Michigan's hard-working men and women by providing them with the training they need to land a job in emerging industries like renewable energy and advanced manufacturing."