LANSING (WKZO) -- Republican Senators used procedural maneuvers to hold up a final vote on that extension of unemployment benefits, but in the end they could not prevent it and it passed last night. Now it appears that unemployment payments are about to be extended, Shaun Thomas with the State Unemployment Insurance Agency says they are gearing up to prepare MARVIN and the rest of the system for the crush of returning clients.

He says they will be not only sending out checks for future benefits, but missed ones as well. The measure still needs approval in the House, which is expected to come to day, & then the President’s signature, which could come tomorrow.