Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance (UI) System is 100 percent employer-financed through payroll taxes, warranting careful stewardship of its administration. Unemployment benefits are intended to be a temporary safety net for employees who find themselves without a job through no fault of their own. MMA supports cost saving reforms that enhance the integrity of the UI system, such as prevention and identification of overpayments made due to fraud or mistake. MMA opposes expansion of eligibility requirements, raising benefit levels and extending the period of eligibility, especially during tough economic times. We will fight to maintain the costsaving reforms secured through Public Act 14 of 2011 and Public Act 269 of 2011 which resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in employer tax dollar savings.

Top Topics in Unemployment Insurance

On 3/13/13, the House Commerce Committee heard testimony on HB 4240 (Rep. Ken Goike, R-Ray Township) which would disqualify an individual from receiving unemployment benefits if they fail or refuse to take a drug test as part of an application for employment, unless good cause is shown.  Current law requires an individual to be able to, available for and actively seeking suitable full-time work.  The sponsor of the legislation believes that a person is not truly "available" for work if they are unable to pass a drug test that is required for the job they are seeking. 

We are interested in MMA member feedback on this legislation.  You can find more information, including the bill text at:  http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2013-HB-4240.  Contact Delaney McKinley with questions and comments at 517-487-8530 or mckinley@mma-net.org