Rep. Vagnozzi offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 117.

            A resolution to memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide a federal extension of unemployment benefits for those unemployed workers in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Our nation, the state of Michigan in particular, has been hard hit by the country's recent recession. Although the overall economy has seen improvement, for states reliant on certain industries the recent years have been characterized by an inordinately high level of unemployment. This situation has been especially difficult in our state's manufacturing and other professional sectors; and

            Whereas, In recognition of the country's unemployment difficulties, the United States Congress has provided federal 13-week extensions of unemployment benefits. These extensions have been invaluable in helping working men and women provide the necessities for their families while seeking work. It is only fitting that an extension of benefits be provided to our hard working men and women when, through no fault of their own, these workers are faced with extended periods of unemployment; and

            Whereas, A host of Michigan workers have exhausted their state employment security benefits. Without a federal extension, these people and their families face tremendous financial hardships. Moreover, spiraling energy costs and a continuing slow job market spell disaster for far too many of Michigan's working families. The economic well-being and human dignity that a federal extension can help provide in these troubled economic times are critical; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize the Congress of the United States to provide a federal extension of unemployment benefits for those unemployed workers in the state of Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.