Dems Call On Snyder To Veto Unemployment Bill Passed Wednesday

By Steve Carmody, Michigan Radio

Democrats are calling on Governor Rick Snyder not to sign legislation that will reduce state unemployment benefits to Michiganders from 26 to 20 weeks. The Republican-controlled legislature passed the benefits cut Wednesday as part of a bill to continue extended federal jobless benefits to Michigan's unemployed.

 Royal Oak Congressman Sander Levin says the governor should veto the bill that will eventually reduce benefits for unemployed workers.

 "This is the worst time to do this for Michigan workers.  I think it is reckless.  It's inexcusable," he says. 

Cutting state benefits will reduce the cost to Michigan businesses that pay into the unemployment fund.

 Cutting state unemployment benefits by 6 weeks could also reduce federal unemployment benefits by up to 16 weeks for jobless Michiganders.

Should Snyder veto the bill, federal jobless benefits for 35,000 unemployed Michiganders would expire April 1st.