Republicans say Whitmer veto puts extension of jobless benefits at risk

Republican legislative leaders say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer made a colossal error when she stripped millions of dollars in unemployment funding from a COVID-19 relief bill before signing it into law Tuesday.

The governor said the money she removed from the bill would have amounted to a tax break for big businesses related to unemployment benefits and won't affect the availability of jobless benefits. The measure still includes more than $60 million for business grants and $45 million for direct payments to workers.

But Republicans say she effectively nullified a portion of a separate bill that extended unemployment benefits and eligibility through March.

They say the question is not about whether money is available, but rather if the veto impacts the length of time someone may receive unemployment benefits.

Read more: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/12/29/michigan-covid-19-relief-bill-gretchen-whitmer-unemployment/4071250001/