Michigan lawmakers cut unemployment aid for future applicants

The state Legislature beat a deadline to make Michigan workers eligible for a federal unemployment extension Thursday — but included a reduction in state-level benefits for future jobless workers.
Under a bill passed by the Republican majorities in the state House and Senate, federal unemployment checks will be extended for another 20 weeks for about 150,000 Michigan workers. But the bill permanently reduces state-level unemployment benefits from 26 weeks to 20 weeks for workers who file starting Jan. 15, 2012.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20110324/POLITICS02/103240373/Michigan-lawmakers-cut-unemployment-aid-for-future-applicants