The head of Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency says her agency has dealt with more than five million claims since the pandemic started and her workers have been threatened by some seeking benefits during the coronavirus pandemic. Acting director Liza Estlund Olson appeared before the House Oversight Committee Thursday. After giving a presentation about the amount of filings her staff is dealing with, Olson got into it with committee chair Steve Johnson who has called for her ouster.
“When I look for a leader, the leader takes responsibility and doesn’t just blame other people. That’s what I keep hearing is just blaming other people,” said Johnson.
Olson responded by asking who she was blaming.
“You’re blaming Congress, blaming the previous administration, blaming the lack of funding, all kinds of things. What you’re not doing is you’re not taking responsibility.”
“I’m sorry,” said Olson. “I absolutely take responsibility for what I have done since I entered this agency.”
Olson says 99% of the claims that have been filed have been handled. She says the agency takes 23,000 calls a month.
