By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI –
Senators at the state Capitol were locked into their chamber Wednesday to debate an extension of unemployment benefits. The controversial measure is necessary to qualify for federal funds to extend benefits past next month to people who are long-term unemployed. Democratic Senators are upset that Republicans reduced the total number of weeks that people who become unemployed in the future could receive the benefits.
Republican state Senator Tom Casperson says the additional benefits would put too much strain on businesses.
"Putting people into jobs is the way to fix the problem," he says. "But we don't get there when every time we open our mouths we demonize the very job providers that are going to provide the jobs for us. This is trying to offer an opportunity for both sides; a safety net and add to the unemployment, and a fairness to the business people paying the bill."
The bill was passed and now moves to the state House for final approval.