More than 200,000 jobless workers in Michigan would be eligible for a six-month extension of unemployment benefits under a measure approved by the House on Thursday, but the bill faces an uncertain future.
The extension was part of a funding plan for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would provide a 13-week extension of unemployment benefits for people whose payments have expired and give an additional 13 weeks in states with high jobless rates.
"Michigan job hunters will find relief with an additional 26 weeks to find a good-paying job," said Rep. Dale Kildee, D-Flint.
Michigan has had one of the nation's most challenging job markets. Its seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 6.9 percent in April, a slight decrease from the March rate of 7.2 percent. Hurt by job losses in the manufacturing sector and auto industry, an estimated 346,000 people in Michigan lacked a job in April, according to state estimates.
The extension of unemployment benefits was part of an amendment that would increase educational benefits for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts. The funding would come from a tax surcharge on the wealthy and small businesses.
The Senate is expected to consider a similar measure next week, but the bill faces a veto threat from President Bush. The White House has registered its dissatisfaction with the non-war spending, the tax surcharge and any restrictions on the Iraq war.
Michigan officials estimated that the extensions could help between 226,000 and 245,000 unemployed workers in Michigan.
All six Democrats in the Michigan delegation supported the measure, along with Republican Reps. Candice Miller of Macomb County's Harrison Township, Fred Upton of St. Joseph and Joe Knollenberg of Oakland County's Bloomfield Township.
The remaining six Republicans in the state's delegation opposed the amendment. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, said the troops deserved "unconditional support" and the funding levels should "not require a tax increase on small businesses."
Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, said the measure would mean a $54 billion tax increase for small business owners and employees and called the vote "nothing more than classic Washington, D.C. politics."
Rep. Sander Levin, D-Royal Oak, said opposition to the extension was "unconscionable."
Levin read a letter from a constituent in Roseville whose husband lost his job as a machinist. The author wrote, "the fear that unemployment benefits may run out is something no family should have to face."
Knollenberg said he supported the extension because the state's "struggling families and unemployed workers need the help."
"Though this is hardly a perfect solution to get us there, getting them the help they need is what's most important," Knollenberg said in a statement.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)