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Michigan social workers rally over cuts, threats

By AP

STERLING HEIGHTS, MI –
State welfare workers have rallied in Macomb County to protest low staffing levels that left them overwhelmed by mounting caseloads and threatened by angry clients.

About 50 Michigan Department of Human Services workers gathered early Friday afternoon outside a department office in Sterling Heights. They say insufficient staffing is leading to long waits and even acts of violence by clients, including one who threw a piece of concrete through an office window.

Workers say the situation endangers them and Michigan residents in need.

Department officials have said they don't tolerate crimes against employees.

About one of every five Michigan residents receives some kind of state assistance.

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