Michigan lawmakers cite pandemic unemployment payments in Oversight findings

A Michigan House subcommittee led by state Rep. Jason Woolford said its review found $10.2 billion in pandemic unemployment payments went to people younger than 15, older than 80 or incarcerated. The state paid $40 billion in unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic, Woolford said.

Woolford also cited cases in which unemployment agency employees and contractors received benefits while working, and raised concerns about contracts with technology firms. His subcommittee proposed an eight-bill package, and he said some reforms are now included in Michigan’s fiscal 2027 budget, including stronger identity and eligibility checks for public benefits.

Read the full story at whmi.com.