Stimulus preparations continue

By Rick Pluta, Michigan Public Radio Network

LANSING, MI – LANSING, MI (MPRN) - Jobless benefits in the state go up by $25 a week starting today. It's one of the ways Michigan benefits from the first wave of federal stimulus spending.

In her radio address that aired over the weekend, Governor Granholm said the state will vie for every available dollar of federal stimulus funds. And she urged local governments and non-profit agencies in Michigan to do the same.

The Legislature is expected to wrap up bills authorizing $873 million in road projects this week. The projects will create an anticipated 25,000 jobs.

Lawmakers are also expected to go to work on stimulus spending for schools and law enforcement.