State Rep. Ann Bollin will join other state legislators and residents for a rally on the state Capitol lawn Tuesday to urge Michigan’s Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) to immediately help Michigan families.

The UIA has been unable to help tens of thousands of laid-off workers receive the unemployment benefits they deserve, and the agency has had repeated problems with its online claim filing system. Phone calls from laid-off workers also have been dropped for no apparent reason.

“I have heard from many, many families tell me how frustrating dealing with the state’s unemployment system has been,” Bollin said. “Families have struggled for too long now, wondering how they are going to put food on the table and pay bills. This rally is for all of the families who have had to deal with the devastation over the past few months – to let you know that your challenges do matter, and your concerns are valid.”

Bollin is spearheading the effort alongside several other state representatives, all women, who call themselves “Moms for Families.”

“As a mother myself, I understand many of the concerns parents have had,” Bollin. “It’s terrifying not knowing for sure if you are able to provide for your child.”

The rally is scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with legislators speaking from 11 a.m. to noon.