Improvements to Unemployment Insurance Shine Amid Lame Duck Challenges

Michigan: The year 2024 didn’t kick off as many in Lansing had hoped. Instead of a big finish, it felt more like a sputtering engine. The drama of the lame duck legislative session took center stage, leaving many advocates feeling let down. It’s easy to think the government isn’t doing much to help when you see all the chaos in the news.

But here’s the twist: even with all the noise, there’s a silver lining. Michigan’s unemployment system has been lagging behind for years, offering some of the lowest benefits in the Midwest. The maximum weekly benefit hasn’t changed since 2002, stuck at just $362.

However, amidst the legislative turmoil, a new package is on the way. It’s set to boost the maximum weekly benefits to $614 over the next three years and extend the number of weeks people can claim benefits from 20 to 26. This change aligns Michigan with most other states, which is a big deal for those who rely on these benefits, especially in construction and manufacturing jobs that often face layoffs.

Growing up in a family that worked in construction, I saw firsthand how tough it could be during slow times. When jobs dried up, it was common for family members to run out of benefits and take lower-paying jobs just to get by. The extra weeks of unemployment benefits from Senate Bill 40 will give Michiganders a better chance to find decent work without having to settle for less.

And it’s not just unemployment benefits that are getting a boost. There are also new protections for renters in Michigan. Recent bills aim to ensure that landlords can’t turn away tenants who want to pay rent using non-wage sources like Housing Choice Vouchers or social security benefits. This is crucial as rent prices keep climbing, making it harder for low-income families and veterans to find secure housing.

In a world where we often see the worst of government on social media, it’s refreshing to recognize the positive changes happening behind the scenes. There are people—legislators, advocates, and everyday folks—working hard to make life better for others.

Sure, there will always be those who seek the spotlight for their own gain, but as we move into a new year with a divided Legislature, it’s worth looking deeper. If meaningful changes like these can happen amid the chaos, who knows what else might be possible in 2025?