Michigan economy struggling

We all know Michigan has been going through tough times. An unemployment rate of nearly 13%. Jobless benefits expiring for tens of thousands of people. Deep spending cuts coming to state and local governments.

But it may be tougher than you've thought.

 The Detroit New reports:

 Department of Human Services officials say the need to help the state's poor and jobless is greater than it has been in nearly seven decades, but they're helping as many as they can with less resources. "In this economy, we're doing more with less," said Ismael  Ahmed director of Michigan Department of Human Services. "But we're making a real positive difference."

The Freep reports that "Amed made his comments this morning during a news conference to give highlights of the state's welfare program this year. The conference was held at the Arab American National Museum. Ahmed said caseworkers at the state's welfare offices are handling an average of 700 cases each, compare to 320 cases in 2002."