The Michigan Chamber of Commerce supports legislation introduced today by State Senator Glenn Steil (R-Grand Rapids) to raise unemployment insurance to help working families. Senate Bill 1126 raises the maximum weekly benefit for individuals, dependents, and families.

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"Senator Steil's plan is a responsible approach to helping individuals and families who experience unemployment. His plan also incorporates cost-saving reform measures which will improve our state's unemployment insurance system," said Michigan Chamber President & CEO Jim Barrett. "We applaud the Senator's approach to this important economic issue."

"While raising unemployment benefits, it is critically important that Michigan continues to protect the solvency of the unemployment insurance trust fund," cautioned Tricia Kinley, Director of Tax Policy & Economic Development for the Michigan Chamber. "We must avoid a situation where we need to borrow from the federal government just to pay benefits as we were forced to do in the 1980s. Senator Steil's bill helps workers and job providers, while ensuring future payments of benefits."

The Michigan Chamber is a statewide business organization representing approximately 7,000 employers, trade associations and local chambers of commerce. The Michigan Chamber was established in 1959 to be an advocate for Michigan's job providers in the legislative, political and legal process.

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SOURCE: Michigan Chamber of Commerce

Contact: Tricia Kinley, Director, Tax Policy & Economic Development of
Michigan Chamber of Commerce, +1-517-371-7669

Website: http://www.michamber.com/