Michigan’s unemployment rate is down to 4.9% according to the U.S. Department of Labor and the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget. Help wanted signs are everywhere and over 6,000 jobs were added in April, according to the Governor’s office.
Those who have been relying on unemployment benefits will see some changes to the program. According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, it’s time to start looking for work if one wants to continue receiving unemployment checks. The requirement to look for work at least weekly was waived in March 2020 when many businesses shut down. It will soon be required. Benefits will not be paid until work search activities have been reported.
At this time, the extra $300 in federal benefits remains, but Governor Whitmer is under pressure from the legislature to end it.
The national unemployment rate sits at about 6.1%. Addressing the state’s unemployment rate, Governor Gretchen Whitmer gave much of the credit to the American Rescue plan, which has pumped billions into the economy, and to the residents of the state who followed protocol during the pandemic. Whitmer said, “It’s clear that these actions have enabled us to grow our economy and get back to normal quicker than many other states.”
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
