Business Community Opposes House Bill 5827

Business Community Opposes House Bill 5827

House Bill 5827 is legislation that has been introduced on unemployment insurance changes. As introduced, House Bill 5827 would extend the number of weeks an individual could be on unemployment from 20 weeks to 26 weeks.

The Detroit Regional Chamber, alongside Grand Rapids Chamber, Michigan Chamber, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Small Business Association of Michigan, sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives in opposition of House Bill 5827.

The House hopes to pass it this week.

View the full letter below.

Chamber Perspective

The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) system showed several weaknesses during the COVID-19 pandemic that ended with billions of taxpayers' dollars being paid out fraudulently. UIA Director Julia Dale has made many improvements to the process and systems since she started in 2021. These changes are still being implemented and Michigan needs confirmation that they work before we start extending or possibly increasing UIA benefits. While we wait for that confirmation, we need to continue to make sure people are ready to fill the over-200,000 jobs currently available in Michigan.