Governor Whitmer Signs Bills Putting More Money into Michiganders' Pockets, Extending Unemployment Benefits for Thousands of Michiganders

Additional legislation supports apprenticeship training programs and telephone companies in Michigan 

LANSING, MI - On December 23, 2024, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed six commonsense bills that will expand Michigan’s unemployment benefits for the first time since 2011, providing a lifeline for Michiganders who are in between jobs. Additional legislation signed also supports Michigan workers and businesses by improving guidelines for apprenticeship training programs and granting greater flexibility to Michigan’s telephone companies. Each of these bills build on this historic legislature’s work to protect Michiganders’ rights, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to “make it in Michigan.” Including today’s legislation, Governor Whitmer has signed a record 1,426 bipartisan bills into law since taking office. 

“Today, I am proud to sign commonsense legislation that extends unemployment benefits, improves job training for apprentices, and more,” said Governor Whitmer. “With winter just around corner, Michiganders are still juggling high costs and a competitive job market. These bills will put money back in people's pockets so they can keep a roof over their heads, pay the bills, get a good-paying job, and put food on the table. I’ll work with anyone to make sure Michigan is the first place folks think of to live, work, and raise their families.” 

Senate Bill 40, sponsored by state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren), will provide a lifeline to individuals who are in between jobs by extending how long Michiganders can receive unemployment benefits from 20 to 26 weeks. This bill reverses Snyder-Era cuts to unemployment benefits that have established Michigan as one of only12 states that only offers unemployment benefits less than 26 weeks. This bill aligns Michigan with the majority of the country. The bill also implements a new maximum weekly benefit, increasing, over a period of years, the check amount to $614 from $362, putting $252 back in Michiganders’ pockets and marking the first time this increase has been made since 2003.This overdue update will bring relief to potentially 88,335 Michiganders, ensuring these individuals have enough money in their pockets to pay the bills and feed their families as they look for new employment.     

“Protecting Michigan workers is very imperative to me and that is why the passage of this legislation is so important,” said state Senator Paul Wojno (D-Warren). “This legislation will not only increase the dollar amount of benefits but reverse the harmful six week cut of workers benefits implemented in 2011.” 

“This victory for working people has been over a decade in the making,” said Ron Bieber, President of Michigan AFL-CIO. “Michigan workers are the strongest in the world and they deserve a safety net that allows them to provide for their families, put food on the table, and keep the lights on while they get back on their feet. Finally, Michigan’s unemployment benefits will be restored to full strength after years of lagging behind our midwestern neighbors and practically every other state in the country. We applaud the bipartisan coalition of legislators who voted to put the working class first in passing this legislation and are so proud of all the hard work that went in to get it to the Governor’s desk.” 

Senate Bill 740, sponsored by state Senator Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton), supports plumbing apprenticeship and job training programs for Michiganders by requiring journey and master plumbers to supervise no more than two apprentices at a time. This legislation will help ensure apprentices are given proper supervision and mentorship throughout the training process, supporting quality education for Michiganders and expanding our state’s workforce.  

“Plumbers are a vital skilled trade, this legislation will require a reasonable ratio for apprentice plumbers so they can learn and advance in their profession,” said state Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D-Trenton). “I’m proud to have advocated for this commonsense change that will safeguard our workers and job sites across Michigan.” 

"The Michigan Pipe Trades Association extends our deepest appreciation to Governor Whitmer for signing Senate Bill 740 into law,” said Jeremy Garza, Michigan Pipe Trades State Political Lead. "This vital legislation establishes a balanced journeyman-to-apprentice ratio, ensuring apprentices receive the hands-on training necessary to uphold the highest standards of job site safety and quality. By prioritizing the health and safety of both our job sites and the communities we proudly serve, this law strengthens our workforce and reinforces the critical role skilled trades play in Michigan’s future." 

Senate Bills 982,983,984, and 1050, sponsored by state Senators Sam Singh (D-East Lansing), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway), and Sarah Anthony (D-Lansing), support telephone companies in Michigan by allowing these businesses to convert into a limited liability corporation (LLC). These bills bring Michigan’s statutes up to speed with the rest of the country and will improve operational consistency for the businesses as well as customers.