The state’s unemployment agency says it’s on target for sending IRS tax forms to workers by the end of February. But some workers face the prospect of having to declare benefits as reportable income even though they may later have to return the money.
Paula Gardner
Paula directs the business reporting on Bridge, writing much of it and setting the strategy for how statewide business coverage fits into Bridge’s nonpartisan policy-driven editorial mix. Paula came to Bridge in 2020 after several years at MLive.com, where she covered the state on both business and environmental teams. Prior to that, she was editor of the Ann Arbor News and news director of online startup AnnArbor,com, and also focused on business news as an editor and reporter at Michigan Business Review. Born and raised in metro Detroit, Paula moved to Ann Arbor to attend the University of Michigan, and has lived in the city for 20 years with her husband, who grew up in their neighborhood. Paula also regularly visits East Lansing and Grand Rapids to visit her college-aged children. She can be reached at pgardner@bridgemi.com
Posted inBusiness Watch
Feds relax rules for workers ordered to repay Michigan unemployment benefits
Jobless workers received notices they have to repay benefits, sometimes $20,000 or more. But many applied in good faith, and now won’t face restitution due to federal waivers.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Lordstown, Ohio gives Michigan hint of how EV battery plant changes economy
Michigan cheered news in January that it will get a $2.5 billion battery plant in Lansing to supply electric vehicles made by General Motors. A similar plant nearly ready to open in Lordstown gives a glimpse into what that could mean.
Posted inBusiness Watch
‘This is the big one.’ Michigan celebrates landmark $7B GM investment
The state is giving the automaker about $800 million in incentives for the projects. GM says thousands of jobs will follow as it builds capacity to make electric vehicle batteries and EV trucks in its home state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
GM vows to spend $6.5B in Michigan. Unclear: how much it wants in return.
State officials are expected to vote on an incentive package for General Motors as it plans to add capacity in the state for its electric vehicle production. The move could create 4,000 jobs.
Posted inBusiness Watch
LG Energy seeks to tap Michigan’s $1B incentive fund for Holland expansion
The South Korean manufacturer seeks $525 million in incentives for an expansion that will create 1,000 jobs. It’s one of the first projects seeking to tap the state’s SOAR fund.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Study shows Michigan's economy still struggles to compete with other states
Once ranked 49th in growth, the state is now 29th. If Michigan wants to crack the top 10, it needs to address vehicle electrification and ongoing labor shortages, a report finds.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Northern Michigan studio belonging to iconic artist listed for sale
Gwen Frostic created a business around her wildlife art that survives 21 years after her death. A new owner will get a chance to own this piece of the state’s history near the Lake Michigan shore.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment fraud now at $8.5B. Legislators have more questions.
The pace of fraud has slowed, officials were told on Thursday. However, it remains unclear to what extent the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has fixed its problems or identified which cases amounted to crimes.
Posted inBusiness Watch
High Court blocks COVID vaccine mandate for business, allows in healthcare
The U.S. Supreme Court said the Biden order overreached in covering every large business, regardless of risk. Healthcare workers are a different matter, the court decided.