Michigan Welfare Agency Issues Layoff Notices To 100 Workers

LANSING (AP) - One of Michigan's largest state agencies is issuing layoff notices to 100 workers this week due to a $7.5 million budget cut.

Department of Human Services spokesman Bob Wheaton said Wednesday that 61 affected employees work in two offices in Detroit and the Grand Rapids area that are closing. The workers determine eligibility for public assistance when people first apply.

The functions will be handled more in county field offices.

Wheaton says officials are trying to keep cuts away from field offices with a direct role in caseloads. He says there won't be cuts in jobs that provide child welfare services related to a judge's oversight of Michigan's child welfare system.

Workers will be laid off effective Feb. 15 but may be able to move into some vacant positions.