“It was very exciting when they announced that gig economy workers and 1099ers would be eligible for some unemployment.

“I’m a musician, private teacher … and my husband and I own our own business. We’ve been the creators of our own income for the last 20 years.

“So when I heard that 1099ers could get unemployment, I was relieved.

“[But] when I looked online, there was no notice one way or another about 1099ers.

“After a couple of weeks, I received an email that while my claim was denied, I may be able to still receive benefits and to fill out another form. So I did. I believe the site said they would be reviewing these starting on April 20. It also said that the $600 would be paid retroactively to the week of April 4, which didn’t seem right – it seems that it should be from the shut down. I immediately lost all of the gigs I had set up from that point (March 16).

“I am very thankful, but I do have questions for our governor. Why didn’t she have this all set up and ready to go when it was announced? Since it wasn’t, why no notices on the website? And heck – to match her expectation of the federal government, why have I not received my money yet?

“Again, I’m thankful for this, especially because there is nothing else for us micro-businesses.

“[But] I’m disgusted that she has expectations that she should receive items [from Washington, D.C.] and not put in the proper paperwork or request. I’m disgusted that she has no skin in this game.

“Where is her pay cut?”

Heather Hartwick Gladden
Pittsfield, Michigan