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Detroit Regional Chamber > Business Resources > COVID-19 > Whitmer Administration Applies for Federal Funding to Provide $300/week for Unemployment

Whitmer Administration Applies for Federal Funding to Provide $300/week for Unemployment

August 19, 2020
Yesterday, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) submitted an application to the United States Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) for funding that would provide an additional $300 per week payment to Michiganders receiving unemployment benefits.  The application is now in FEMA’s hands to approve or deny the claim. If approved, the duration of the $300 and the initial start date is unknown.

If approved, the Michigan UIA estimates that under the program, about 910,000 Michiganders would receive at least $300 per week in supplemental benefits. The program allows for existing Unemployment Trust Fund payments delivered by Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency to count as 25% matching funds required for participation. Eligible claimants will be paid benefits retroactive to August 1. It is unclear at this time how long funding for the program will last.

The Chamber has continued to be engaged with the Michigan Congressional Delegation and our partners in Washington advocating for supports for businesses and employees in the next coronavirus stimulus package. With the U.S. Senate adjourned through Labor Day, a C4 package is weeks away.
Below are the priorities the Chamber will continue to advocate for when negotiations continue.
Supports for Business

  • Business liability protections.
  • Expand employee retention credit program.
  • Targeted supports for small- and medium-sized businesses, including extending the eligibility period of the Paycheck Protection Program for these entities.
  • Expanding the Paycheck Protection Program to 501 C (6) and other nonprofit organizations.

Supports for Employees and Their Families

  • Funding for state and local budgets that recognize the costs of ongoing COVID-19 response (including robust testing and contact tracing) and reduced tax collections.
  • Financial support that provides K-12 schools the tools to open safely.
  • Thoughtful revisions to extending any federal unemployment support that removes the disincentive to return to work, and supports the extension of the WorkShare program.

A Call for Liability Protections: What You Can Do

The Chamber has continued to push for liability protections for businesses in the next deal. Legislation currently in the U.S. Senate would ensure entities that are working hard to follow the appropriate health guidelines don’t face an impossible choice: shut down again and risk bankruptcy or stay open and risk a crippling lawsuit. To reinforce this, businesses should send a letter to Congress urging it to pass liability protections