Letter to Secretary Thomas Perez, Department of Labor - Investigate Problems with Florida's Website for Handling Unemployment Benefits
Letter
A U.S. senator is calling for a federal investigation into problems plaguing Florida's new website for handling unemployment benefits since its launch last week.
Sen. Bill Nelson, a Democrat from Florida, has asked the Department of Labor to investigate and make sure the state quickly fixes what has gone wrong with its Department of Economic Opportunity's new $63 million website for people to apply for unemployment compensation. It is the Labor Department that oversees programs to help American workers.
As reported by major Florida news outlets, the website that Gov. Rick Scott's administration launched last week has caused delays and frustrations among people trying to get help with unemployment benefits.
Today, Nelson asked Labor Secretary Thomas E. Perez to have his department step in and investigate.
"While states administer their own unemployment compensation program
they do so under the Department of Labor which oversees many of the programs our nation has for American workers, including unemployment benefits," Nelson wrote in a letter to Perez. "The main purpose behind this federal-state program is to help stabilize the economy during recessions. But it certainly won't be of much help in my state if those who have lost their jobs face protracted delays in seeking or receiving benefits."
Technical problems have reportedly frustrated many unemployed trying to use the CONNECT system featured on the website -- right above a picture of the governor.
A spokeswoman in the Scott administration has publicly acknowledged "some users have encountered delays and problems accessing the system.''
While The Palm Beach Post reported that lots of Floridians are posting online tales of frustration, it's not known how many may be experiencing protracted delays in seeking unemployment help.
Following is Nelson's letter and background news articles:
October 30, 2013
Honorable Thomas E. Perez, Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20210
Dear Secretary Thomas E. Perez:
It is being widely reported that an untold number of Floridians are having trouble applying for unemployment benefits because of problems plaguing the governor's and state's new $63 million economic opportunity website.
While states administer their own unemployment compensation program - Florida is relying on this online system - they do so under the Department of Labor which oversees many of the programs our nation has for American workers, including unemployment benefits.
The main purpose behind this federal-state program is to help stabilize the economy during recessions. But it certainly won't be of much help in my state if those who have lost their jobs face protracted delays in seeking or receiving benefits.
I would ask that you investigate the circumstances surrounding the roll out of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's online unemployment claims system; or take this matter into account in any other pending investigation.
I am enclosing for your review a few recent media reports outlining more specifically the problems people in Florida are facing.
I would also ask that you look into whether the state is doing everything it can to correct problems with its website to meet the needs of all Floridians eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
I look forward to hearing from you on this matter soon. Please feel free to contact me or my counsel Clint Odom with any questions you or your staff may have.
Sincerely,
Bill Nelson
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