In November, U.S. employers added a strong 227,000 jobs, following a paltry 36,000 in October, when the effects of strikes and hurricanes had sharply diminished employers’ payrolls. The government also revised up its estimate of job growth in September and October by a combined 56,000.

Senators voted to restore the 26 weeks of unemployment benefits residents were eligible for before they were cut to 20 weeks in 2011.

Michigan could increase the value of payments and allow individuals to be eligible for longer under legislation that cleared the state Senate with bipartisan support Thursday. It’s been more than 20 years since the maximum weekly benefit rate cap has been increased,