In 2020, hundreds of thousands of Michigan workers lost their jobs overnight. They turned to unemployment benefits during a time of chaos, fear, and government-mandated shutdowns. Now, more than three years later, the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) is telling 350,000 of those same workers to repay up to $2.7 billion in pandemic-era benefits—money they received in good faith.

Many of these workers followed the rules, filed the proper paperwork, and were approved based on what the state and federal government told them. The eligibility criteria shifted constantly during the pandemic, and the UIA made mistakes. But instead of owning those mistakes, the state is demanding repayment from everyday people—nurses, grocery clerks, rideshare drivers, freelancers—many of whom are still struggling financially.

The federal government created the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program to catch people who fell through the cracks of the traditional system. Now, Michigan is using technicalities and shifting rules to claw that money back. Yes, the law says the state must try to recover overpayments. But there’s also a waiver process—and we believe every eligible worker deserves that waiver automatically, without red tape or fear.

We call on Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan Legislature, and the leadership of the UIA to immediately cancel repayment demands for all non-fraudulent claims made during the pandemic.

No one should be forced to pay back money they received during a global crisis through no fault of their own. These are people who trusted the system and are now being punished for it.

Michigan can choose compassion. It can choose fairness. It can stop these devastating clawbacks and help workers move forward—not backward.

Sign this petition if you believe the state should cancel the clawbacks and protect Michigan workers.