Jobs and Economy
This tough economic climate has had a devastating impact on Michigan’s families and it requires strong, immediate action. With unemployment remaining at historically high levels, it is imperative that we have a strong social safety net so families can continue to put food on the table and heat their homes. Nobody should be forced to go hungry because of an economic slump.
Congressman Dingell is deeply concerned with the loss of American jobs. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the migration of millions of American jobs overseas, particularly in Michigan. Irresponsible tax and trade policies by the previous Administration in large part facilitated this trend, and Congressman Dingell will continue his work during the 111th Congress to enact legislation to reinvigorate the Nation’s economy through infrastructure investment, small business tax credits for hiring and job training.
The Congressman notes that Michigan’s 15th District is making progress, in large part due to the talented workers in Michigan and federal programs supported by Congressman Dingell that encourage investment in Michigan. A number of companies have recently invested in green jobs in southeast Michigan, including A123 Systems, General Electric, General Motors, Ford, and Ventower Industries.
For those who have lost their jobs, Congressman Dingell has created a Displaced Workers Guidebook, which provides links to services and programs available to displaced workers in Michigan. This includes information on unemployment, job training and preparation programs, free health care clinics, utility and mortgage assistance, among others. The Guidebook can be found here. Congressman Dingell has also hosted several direct assistance events geared at helping families in need. These include: the Rehiring, Retraining and Relief Fair, How to Get Hired, Job Seekers Boot Camp, Free Tax Clinic, Homeowner Counseling, Save Your Savings, among others.
Congressman Dingell has worked diligently to ensure that displaced workers can be trained in fields or industries that are growing. This is why Congressman Dingell supports Michigan’s No Worker Left Behind program and has worked tirelessly to ensure the program has the funds needed to support the demand for job training. Congressman Dingell worked with Michigan Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth to urge the Department of Labor’s support for Michigan’s National Emergency Grant in 2009, under which the State received $38 million for job training services in Southeast Michigan, Flint/Mid-Michigan, and West Michigan. While the program presently has ceased operation, Congressman Dingell continues to explore other funding options to keep this vital program successful.
Congressman Dingell also supported the passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which was signed into law by President Obama in February 2009. This legislation is expected to save or create 109,000 jobs in Michigan. It also includes a number of items to help displaced workers:
STATE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT REDUCTION IN MICHIGAN
In March 2011, Governor Rick Snyder signed into law legislation that reduces the total number of weeks of state unemployment benefits that Michigan will provide. Beginning in 2012, newly unemployed persons in Michigan will be eligible for only 20 weeks (as compared to the current amount of 26 weeks) of state unemployment benefits. This reduction means Michigan will provide the least number of weeks of unemployment benefits of any state.
Related Legislation
H.CON.RES.205 – Recognizing and honoring America's labor movement, supporting the designation of a National Labor History Month, and for other purposes.
H.R.11 – Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009
H.R. 12 – Paycheck Fairness Act
H.R. 413 – Public Safety Employer-Employee Cooperation Act of 2009
H.R. 1409 – Employee Free Choice Act of 2009
H.R. 1881 – Transportation Security Workforce Enhancement Act of 2009
H.R. 3042 – Forewarn Act
H.R. 3404 – Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009
H.R. 3548 – Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009
H.R. 3731 – Community College Energy Training Act of 2009
H.R. 4183 – Helping Unemployed Workers Act
H.R. 4393 – To authorize the Secretary of Commerce to reduce the matching requirement for participants in the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program.
H.R. 4461 – Banking Integrity Act of 2010
H.R. 4516 – Financial Services Industry Stability Act of 2010
Additional Resources
House Committee on Education and Labor
Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth
U.S. Department of Labor: Tools for America’s Job Seekers Challenge
Michigan No Worker Left Behind
Michigan Recovery and Reinvestment Plan