A group of female state representatives calling themselves "Moms for Families," led by Rep. Mary Whiteford, took to the Capitol lawn June 16, calling for Michigan's Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to immediately help struggling Michigan families.
The UIA has come under fire for not adequately addressing benefit claims of tens of thousands of Michigan workers who found themselves laid off due to the coronavirus pandemic. Those attempting to file for benefits say the system has been cumbersome to navigate, calls go unanswered and the online filing system is plagued with issues.
Whiteford made it clear that the responsibility lies with the governor and the agency director.
“The governor refused to work with the Legislature to appropriate taxpayer money, yet she had legislative authorization to $100 million of general fund and the authority to spend any federal COVID-19 money,” Whiteford said in a press release from the Michigan House Republicans. “Fortunately, the Senate passed a bill to increase staffing at UIA. Unfortunately, this is three months after the initial state of emergency declaration. This bill is currently before the house.”
Rep. Julie Alexander was also present and addressed those gathered.
“Promises have been made to struggling families, and too many have not had any communication with the department,” Alexander in the press release.. “I hear over and over again that no one takes their calls or returns their online messages at the UIA. Calling their state representative has been the only way to talk to a real person. The desperation and frustration I hear in people’s voices is more than a financial strain – it is causing physical and mental-health concerns as well.”
Alexander said she has heard the UIA director say they are working as quickly as possible to resolve priority cases and no cases filed in March should remain open.
“It’s a pleasure and an honor serving Michigan families, and as mothers ourselves, we want parents in Michigan to know their voices and concerns matter,” Whiteford said in the press release. “So many families haven’t been able to get in touch with the unemployment agency, despite many attempted calls, and this is in no way acceptable. That is the reason we stand here today – to tell the department our families deserve better.”
Alerts Sign-up