Unemployment Benefits Slashed In Michigan

What is it with Governor Rick Snyder and the Corporatist Republicans who are running Michigan?  On the heels of outlawing worker safety rules, the Michigan legislature has just voted to slash unemployment benefits.

Instead of 26 weeks of benefits, starting in January 2012 new claimants will only be able to collect unemployment for 20 weeks.  Thus, Michigan is now the only state that offers fewer than 26 weeks of state unemployment benefits.

This makes no sense.  In January, 2011, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Michigan was 10.7%, while the national average was 8.9%.  In 2010, the average length of unemployment in Michigan 40 weeks.  As of November 30, 2010, about 162,000 people in Michigan had exhausted the extended 99 weeks of federal benefits.  And the Republican-controlled legislature thinks it's a good idea to cut benefits?!!?

In the meantime, Governor Snyder wants to cut corporate taxes by 86%.  Talk about a corporate tool!

Workplace Safety Rules Are Now Illegal In Michigan

Yes, you read that correctly.  Michigan's Corporatist governor, Rick Snyder, signed a bill that outlaws workplace ergonomics regulations.  Ergonomic rules are designed to prevent injuries caused by lifting, bending, repetitive motions, etc.

How stupid is this?  In the interests of "competitiveness," the State of Michigan has decided not only that it is ok for workers to be injured on the job, but that attempts to lessen the likelihood of injury are illegal!  And will this really make Michigan more "competitive?"  Have they factored in the hidden costs, in things like lost time and productivity and increased workers' comp payments?  This is just another example of Republicans placing corporate interests above those of human beings.