LANSING, MI (June 12, 2025) – Michigan State Director Amanda Fisher of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the state and nation’s leading small business advocacy organization, testified in support of House Bill 4516, sponsored by Rep. Jason Woolford (R-50), in the House Committee on Economic Competitiveness.  The legislation tightens work search requirements for unemployed workers currently collecting unemployment insurance (UI).

“This legislation gives increased accountability to claimants to ensure they are meeting the work search requirements prescribed in law. Many NFIB members continue to report job applicants and new hires who either do not show up or respond to communications. HB 4516 addresses these very situations and would give additional resources to both employers and the Unemployment Insurance Agency to ensure that only qualified claimants are receiving UI benefits,” said Fisher.

Fisher reminded legislators that the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund is completely employer funded, and legislation opposed by NFIB passed at the end of last year which increases both the duration and benefit amounts for unemployment insurance claimants will likely cause UI taxes to increase.

“House Bill 4516 will soften the blow of the aforementioned tax increases by ensuring that those workers receiving unemployment benefits are actively engaged in work search and hopefully filling the many open positions available in Michigan’s small businesses.”