Governor Rell Should Provide More Resources for Unemployment Claims Processing

Susan Bysiewicz called on Governor Rell to make more resources available for the immediate processing of unemployment claims.  The Department of Labor has seen an increase of almost 50 percent in the number of incoming claims over last year with over 156,000 people making claims.  Many filers have experienced difficulty getting through to department staff at the call centers or have been unable to use the DOL website due to the high volume, resulting in a delay of their benefits for weeks and sometimes months.

 "Unemployment benefits are a lifeline for Connecticut families.  Delays in benefits that could have been avoided mean hardships that could have been avoided," said Susan Bysiewicz.  "The administration should have anticipated a substantial growth in jobless claims in the past year and prepared the system well in advance."

 Connecticut experienced its worst budget crisis in decades in 2009 with a current midyear estimated deficit of $337 million.  As recently as December, Governor Rell proposed further drastic cuts in public services and proposed extending her authority to make rescissions of up to 10% for any appropriation.  The impact of her 'cut without a strategy' approach has resulted in a Department of Labor that does not have the resources to handle the needs of the public.

 "Crisis situations demand crisis leadership.  The Governor must immediately take a hands-on role in resolving this issue, including increased phone staffing hours, expedited software changes, and whatever other action can be taken," said Susan Bysiewicz, who has led her state agency through the budget cuts, furloughs and reductions while maintaining the services the state's businesses and voters require.  "We need to cut the red-tape so Connecticut families are not left out in the cold this winter."