House Democrats are ratcheting up the pressure on the Republican-led Senate to take up legislation expanding unemployment benefits that initially would be funded by $139 million in added federal stimulus money.
Business advocates and Republicans have said that companies will pay for the expanded system through increased taxes after the stimulus is exhausted, but state Rep. Mark Meadows, D-East Lansing, said lawmakers can review the program again -- and potentially lower benefits -- when that point is reached.
But Matt Marsden, spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said it is ill-advised to begin a new program that would lead to higher unemployment taxes for businesses when the state is trying to improve the climate for job creation.
But Meadows that people receiving these benefits spend those dollars at companies, providing an immediate boost to the state's businesses and economy.
The Senate version of the legislation, passed in the House, remains in committee.
