Obernoltes Letter to Governor

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 

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-