A group of Wisconsin state employees has been temporarily reassigned to help the Department of Workforce Development with the processing of unemployment claims.
Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan said that the cohort of employees began unemployment insurance training this week. The cohort consists of 100 employees from a variety of different state agencies.
“Individuals and families throughout Wisconsin are continuing to face significant financial challenges, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Brennan in a press release. “That is why it is incumbent upon all of us in state service to do everything we can to support DWD in providing financial relief to the unemployed.”
As of Monday, July 13, the DWD reported that there were over 500,000 weekly claims still pending.
The DOA reports that since March 15, the DWD has received over 4 million weekly claims. In 2019, there were 1.6 million claims in the entire year.
The reassignment is expected to last six weeks and is expected to increase customer service availability and processing for claimants.
“Now, more than ever, state employees are answering the call to serve their communities. Be it in supporting individuals and families during the health emergency or assisting their fellow Wisconsinites through the UI process, we should be proud of the hard work and dedication of these public servants,” said Brennan.
