The crush of 1 million new claims is rapidly depleting Michigan’s unemployment fund, which could force the state to borrow money. Jobless workers would still get checks, but Michigan may have to raise business taxes to repay the debt, slowing any recovery.
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
Michigan food supply firm innovates, finds new markets amid coronavirus crisis
Like many businesses, Frog Holler Produce in Ann Arbor faced coronavirus shutdown. Until they decided to “spin the wheel” and open new lines of business.
Posted inBusiness Watch
When Michigan unemployment, stimulus checks, and $600 CARES money will arrive
Your guide to unemployment and other payments as Michigan deals with the devastating economic impact of a deadly virus
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan now second in nation for jobless claims amid coronavirus pandemic
Despite widespread complaints over a sluggish website and slammed call center, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency successfully processed 817,185 initial benefits claims between March 15 and April 4, second only to the more populous state of California.