Michigan House votes to extend jobless benefits

By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network

East Lansing, MI – Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
The state House approved a set of bills Wednesday that would extend unemployment benefits to more people in job training programs.

The bills would compensate some part-time workers and people who aren't looking for jobs while they take training classes.

State lawmakers must pass the bills before the end of May to receive about $138 million in federal stimulus funds.

Business groups say the bills would place a burden on small businesses that would eventually pay more unemployment taxes and would lead to more job losses.