ADOPTED - JUNE 23, 2009

Agenda Item No. 38

Introduced by Human Services Committee of the:

INGHAM COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF HOUSE BILLS 4785 AND 4786 – EXPANSION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ACCEPTANCE OF $138 MILLION

IN FEDERAL STIMULUS FUNDS

RESOLUTION #09-199

WHEREAS, Michigan’s unemployment rate has reached staggering levels due to the national recession; and

WHEREAS, the bankruptcy of General Motors and Chrysler Corporation has further added to the economic hardship of Michigan’s working families; and

WHEREAS, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 makes additional unemployment benefits available to individual states; and

WHEREAS, Michigan’s share of these federal dollars would total $138 million that would go directly to unemployed workers and their families; and

WHEREAS, the bulk of these funds would help pay for necessities such as food and shelter which in turn will bolster local merchants and help to stabilize the housing market; and

WHEREAS, the Michigan House has passed legislation that would expand unemployment benefits for workers in training programs and those seeking part-time employment; and

WHEREAS, enactment of this legislation is necessary to become eligible for the $138 million in federal stimulus aid.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Ingham County Board of Commissioners strongly encourages the Michigan Senate to pass and Governor Jennifer Granholm to sign into law House Bills 4785 and 4786 as soon as possible so that these federal dollars can rapidly be brought into our communities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that certified copies of this Resolution be forwarded by the County Clerk to Michigan’s 38 State Senators, Governor Jennifer Granholm, the Michigan Association of Counties, and the other 82 Michigan counties.

HUMAN SERVICES:  Yeas:  Tennis, Davis, McGrain

       Nays:  Dougan, Vickers          Absent:  None      Abstained:  Schor     Approved 6/15/09