Governor announces expansion of unemployment services

LANSING, Mich. (WZZM) - In response to growing criticism of overwhelmed unemployment services in the state of Michigan, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced a series of improvements to hopefully make services more accessible. She says they will add over 200 new employees, add more phone lines, and make MARVIN accessible via the internet.

The Michigan Chamber of Commerce says the state's Unemployment Insurance Agency and Gov. Jennifer Granholm's office should have anticipated the problems caused by a growing number of unemployed workers entering the system. People trying to access the MARVIN automated phone service have been unable to get through and long lines have been a regular scene at area unemployment agencies.

Today, Granholm annouced these changes:

• The Unemployment Insurance Agency will hire 276 employees beginning January 26th. They will staff the call centers and Problem Resolution Offices.
• Call centers will remain open three hours longer per day, until 6:00pm on weekdays.
• Problem Resolution Offices will remain open two hours longer each day, and employees will work until 7:30pm processing claims.
• MARVIN hours will expand to include Saturday hours beginning January 29th.
• MARVIN will also include a web-based format so people can certify their benefits online instead of on the phone.
• An additional call center will open in Lansing with 200 phone lines.
• Adding additional servers to process electronically filed claims.
• Increasing mandatory overtime for state staff to process claims and assist people.

Governor Jennifer Granholm says Michigan needs help from the federal government. She says Michigan's aging unemloyment system needs to be upgraded. "This is why it's so important that Congress pass this Insurance Modernization Act. People need to access funds to put food on the table and clothes on their back."

Granholm encouraged people to utilize the new MARVIN system over the internet. If you don't have internet, she says you can go to any Michigan Works office or your public library.