The state’s investigation into international fraud found 1 in 5 frozen accounts are still considered suspicious.
Business Watch
Covering the intersection of business and policy, and informing Michigan employers and workers on the long road back from coronavirus. Our Michigan Economic Dashboard shows key metrics that show how the state is performing.
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Michigan legislators want unemployment offices reopened
Jobless workers continue to say they’re struggling to reach Unemployment Insurance Agency employees to resolve issues with unpaid claims that in some cases may go back months
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Michigan manufacturers want incentives, eye automation in pandemic
John Walsh, CEO of the Michigan Manufacturers Association, says the sector is ramping up amid softer global demand after coronavirus. Now it’s evaluating what it needs to gain ground, including ensuring worker safety and perhaps more automated jobs.
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Michigan jobs go unfilled when workers make more from unemployment
‘How do we get people back to work when there’s really no incentive for them to?’ asked one employer about not being able to compete for workers earning generous jobless benefits.
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400K unemployment claims now flagged in Michigan fraud investigation
Benefits have been restored to 140,000 people, but an additional 200,000 new claims now require verification as the state confronts identity theft.
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Order extending halt in Michigan evictions may create 75,000 case backlog
Landlords in many areas are working to reduce evictions. With coronavirus, ‘the last thing we need is to increase our homeless population,’ said one tenant attorney in Flint.
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Ann Arbor restaurant pioneer takes time reopening: ‘Everyone is anxious’
Mani Osteria was groundbreaking when it opened 9 years ago. Now, founder Adam Baru joins restaurateurs across Michigan in plotting how to safely reopen after a coronavirus shutdown and restore lost sales.
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Pandemic may mean big profit to Michigan insurers, tiny rebates for drivers
Travel fell by more than 40 percent amid the pandemic, which experts say could reap insurance companies sizable profits. Ordered by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to pay rebates, most are paying 15 percent to 20 percent. That often amounts to about $50 or less.
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Frustrations rise over 340K frozen jobless claims, Michigan’s lack of answers
About 340,000 accounts in the state’s jobless benefit system received ‘stop payment’ alerts in May when officials launched an investigation into identity fraud. Now, lawmakers and the jobless are becoming frustrated over the agency’s lack of answers about the probe.
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Michigan restaurants can now reopen.That doesn’t mean most will.
The state’s dining industry is allowed to reopen with some restrictions Monday, but about half won’t open right away. Some still see financial risks and others are sorting out their health precautions after COVID-19.