Responding to concerns raised by many of his constituents, Senator Dan Laughlin sent a letter to state Secretary of Labor & Industry Jerry Oleksiak requesting details on his Department’s efforts to respond to calls from workers idled by the COVID-19 outbreak and to expedite unemployment compensation claims.
“My office has been inundated with calls from constituents who have experienced problems with getting through to the unemployment office. This cannot continue. Government agencies that our citizens rely on cannot afford to stumble in times of crisis,” Senator Laughlin wrote. “I know that you take this seriously, and I want you to know that my office is here to help in any way we can.”
Senator Laughlin asked for information regarding the Department’s efforts to respond to its increased workload of unemployment claims and if legislative action would help move the process forwards so that idled workers expeditiously receive the assistance they need.
“You may already be developing ways to address the numerous issues that have resulted from the COVID-19 mitigation effort, but I want to assure you that I am working diligently from the Legislative side and stand ready to help where I can,” Senator Laughlin wrote.
Contact: Matt Azeles mazeles@pasen.gov