General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: GOP to Unemployed workers.... $200 a week should suffice. [View all]MichMan
(11,910 posts)While the unemployment federal $600 supplement has got all the attention recently, it is clear that state unemployment benefits are not adequate. The average state unemployment is $372 per week.
Regardless of the pandemic causing high unemployment, people unemployed for any reason at other times also need to pay their rent, utilities, cars, food and all other expenses.
During the 2009 Bush recession, I was unemployed for the entire year. Michigan had a max benefit of $362. While the number of weeks was extended several times, there was never any additional weekly amounts added. In my case the state paid only 23% of my former income.
Now here we are over 10 yrs later, and Michigan's max benefit is still only $362. IMO, the states need to seriously increase their own unemployment benefits on their own.