IMPROVE
SERVICE
Unemployment
Claims
State
Assembly, Sacramento, CA___ Wednesday, April 29, 2020 ___
Assemblyman
Jay Obernolte (R-Hesperia) announced that he sent a bipartisan letter to the
Governor asking him to expand the hours that EDD representatives can help
Californians with their unemployment insurance claims.
“Since
the stay-at-home-order has taken effect, over three million Californian’s have
filed for unemployment. This is an extraordinary number of people in
such a short period of time,” said Assemblyman Obernolte.
“With
so many businesses shut down due to the Governor’s stay-at-home order, many workers
have suddenly found themselves out of work. This is very frightening for many
Californians who are filing for unemployment benefits for the first time. It
is unacceptable that there is not a sufficient number of representatives
available to answer their questions.”
The
EDD staff dedicated to help answer these questions are only available Monday
through Friday between 8:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. This is a very limited
timeframe to assist the over three million Californians who have recently filed
for unemployment. At the very least, there should be a representative available
between the standard business hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M.
Currently,
it is nearly impossible to speak to a live person. Most phone calls are
directed to a voicemail due to the high volume of calls before being
disconnected. Californians were pleased to hear the announcement of a new
call center open seven days a week, 12 hours a day, only to be disappointed
when they realized these expanded hours were merely to answer general questions
or provide technical assistance. Most Californians need assistance regarding
their claims, not answers to technical questions. Californians are already
struggling during this difficult time and deserve better treatment than this.
The
letter was signed by over 25 percent of the members of the California State
Assembly. To read the entire letter please click here :
Assemblyman Obernolte offers, “Should you
need assistance with any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact my
office at (760) 244-5277 or email me at: Assemblymember.Obernolte@assembly.ca.gov
Assemblyman Jay Obernolte represents the 33rd Assembly
District, which includes the San Bernardino County communities of Adelanto,
Apple Valley, Baker, Barstow, Big Bear City, Big Bear Lake, Big River,
Crestline, Fort Irwin, Hesperia, Johnson Valley, Lake Arrowhead, Lenwood,
Lucerne Valley, Needles, Oak Hills, Phelan, Running Springs, Silver Lakes,
Trona, Twentynine Palms Base, Twin Peaks and Victorville.
Also
see Assemblyman Jay Obernolte:
https://ad33.asmrc.org/sites/default/files/files-uploaded/Letter%20to%20Gov%20re%20EDD.pdf
http://www.bigbearlake.net/ETNews/Obernolte-wants-to-Hear-From-YOU-