Dianda Calls For Unemployment Benefits Extension

State Representative Scott Dianda is asking the Michigan legislature to restore the state’s unemployment benefits to 26 weeks.

Unemployment benefits were reduced to 20 weeks in 2011.

Dianda said the extension would help workers who are trying to get back on their feet and find a job to let them support themselves and their families, but called 20 weeks a “pitifully” short time to find or retrain for a job.

Dianda expressed particular concern over the future of the Empire Mine and the affect any layoffs would have on the U.P. economy and families.