The latest review of the state’s dysfunctional unemployment office found that problems with oversight and fraud investigation persist. The agency’s director accused the auditor of rehashing old issues and not giving the agency enough credit for reforms.
Michigan unemployment
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment office to spend $78M to replace ‘antiquated’ system
A computer system that falsely flagged unemployment recipients for fraud is finally getting replaced.
Posted inMichigan Government
Gretchen Whitmer touts economy. Michigan lost 82K jobs under her watch.
No doubt, the pandemic bruised the economy nationwide. But Michigan has fared worse than other states by most measures.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A recession is looming. Michigan business may not be ready.
Michigan started 2022 with fewer jobs, lower adjusted household incomes and a lower job participation rate than before previous recessions, leaving a shakier foundation to withstand an economic downturn.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan braces for dip in economy and hiring, hopes to avoid a recession
Rising interest rates are meant to stem inflation, but the results can be “painful” as the economy shrinks, state business leaders say. Michigan has recorded three straight months of job losses, a sensitive topic for the state.
Posted inMichigan Government
Audit: Michigan unemployment agency didn’t guard taxpayer info in pandemic
The most recent audit of the state’s unemployment office’s performance shows it failed to implement safeguards needed to protect taxpayer information during the pandemic.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan jobless agency pauses collections in alleged overpayment cases
The temporary pause on collections against 398,000 could result in repayment waivers for workers who’d received benefits and later were told they were ineligible. But an extensive review awaits first.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Michigan unemployment agency seeks bids to replace troubled computer system
Jobless workers have struggled for years with the state’s unemployment system, resulting in lawsuits and calls for change. Now — after a pandemic filled with still more problems — the state is seeking a new vendor.
Posted inBusiness Watch
How is Michigan's economy doing? Check out Bridge’s new Economic Dashboard.
Our real-time, graphic-driven snapshot of economic indicators will help you understand how Michigan workers, families and businesses are faring in a changing world.
Posted inMichigan Government
Audit: Michigan unemployment agency hired identity thieves to process claims
The Unemployment Insurance Agency failed to conduct proper background checks as it rushed to hire workers to handle a record number of claims — and taxpayers paid the price, according to an audit.