Legislation to expand Michigan unemployment benefits passed the state legislature this week.
The bills would both extend how long in a year someone can receive unemployment benefits and the maximum amount they could receive.
Democratic state Representative Jim Haadsma says the bills would catch Michigan’s benefits up to its neighbors in the Midwest.
“Unemployment benefits are not a permanent solution, but they are a lifeline for people who find themselves out of a job through no fault of their own to get back on their feet.”
But Republican Representative Will Bruck says the benefits could be too appealing.
"It’s not meant to be a living, an amount that someone can function on and not have to worry about, get another job. It's there for a purpose. It's there as a bridge.”
The bills now head to the governor’s desk.
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