SE Grand Rapids News

State Rep. Julie Calley is advocating for more than 124,000 Michigan residents who have still not received unemployment benefits.

More than four times as many people in Michigan are unemployed than normal, according to a press release from Michigan House Republicans. Some estimate the unemployment rate to be higher than 22%.

Lines of communication between the committee and residents have been difficult as a key member of the team in charge of communications was laid off.

“Temporarily removing this person delayed support for struggling Michiganders who have already been waiting for weeks,” Calley said in the GOP press release. Shortcomings like this cause real impacts for those who are relying on services and this committee will continue to explore ways to make improvements.”

Those who have been without a paycheck for weeks are still waiting to be approved for unemployment. There is a backlog of applications, as Michigan is temporarily suspending unemployment, according to WNEM..

This is due to an increase in fraudulent applications using stolen or false data. As of now, there is no word about when benefits will be continued as Michigan residents face rent and other bills due.

"Legislators from across Michigan continue to hear heartbreaking stories from people who still cannot get through to file an unemployment claim, which means they remain unable to provide for their families,” Calley said in the press release. “While Michigan’s unemployment agency was hit with a sudden and massive demand, effectiveness is lacking for too many people still trying to get their claims processed.”

Calley also said a new website is launching, MICovidStory.com, where Michigan residents can share their stories with the Joint Select Committee on their COVID-19 pandemic experience.

Residents can share their story based on different categories. These include essential business directives from the governor's administration, interactions with state agencies, difficulties securing needed unemployment benefits, health care treatment and more.

The website is in tandem with the committee, according to Monroe News.