The state of Michigan is asking the federal government to help fund unemployment insurance for people who are out of work as the coronavirus pandemic rages on.
The federal government had been providing an additional $600 per week of unemployment assistance as a result of the CARES Act passed by Congress in March. That money ran out at the end of July. The U.S. Senate has refused to consider plans to continue that funding.
However, President Donald Trump used an executive order this month to promise $300 per week of assistance to unemployed people in states who request it. That money would come from disaster relief funds.
Governor Gretchen Whitmer attacked the plan when it was announced. Tuesday she was more circumspect.
“This program will provide some much needed support for families that are struggling to put food on the table or pay their bills, but it’s a short term Band Aid that falls short of what’s needed,” she said in a statement.
There are still many unknowns, according to Bridge Magazine.
The application needs to be approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. If that happens, it isn’t clear when payouts would begin.
You can read more here.
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