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Unemployment task force recommends policy changes for state agency

Posted at 6:56 PM, May 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-05-17 18:56:39-04

LANSING, Mich. -- The Unemployment Reform Subcommittee has issued recommendations for changing Unemployment Insurance Agency policy. Those proposed reforms could become law.

Seven recommendations were issued at the fifth and final hearing Tuesday morning. They include:

  • Making all forms less confusing and explaining how exactly fraud was committed
  • Giving people 'a meaningful avenue to appeal' and properly informing them of their rights
  • The department can't use MiDAS (computer software) to determine fraud
  • People and employers need adequate time to respond to agency inquiries
  • The department needs to stop 'quarterly income smoothing'
  • Limiting the statute of limitations for finding fraud and punishing people to 3 years
  • State auditor's office should follow up to ensure these changes have been made

The recommendations head to the full Oversight and Ethics Committee for consideration, possible modification and a vote.

Lawmakers say other bills may be introduced as a result or more proposed reforms may be put into the present bill - House Bill 4982. The proposed legislation will then head to the House floor.