The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency has had plenty of problems in recent months and on Thursday, its new director spoke before the state House Oversight Committee. The agency faces complaints over its handling of an influx of jobless claims during the pandemic that resulted in long delays for thousands of claimants getting their benefits. The pandemic has also seen benefits being distributed to fraudulent claimants. New agency director Julia Dale says she believes in strong customer service.
“We expect that the coming weeks and months will provide the UIA an opportunity to spend more time planning the agency’s future,” Dale said. “We are committed to reducing our case backlog, tackling fraud, and abuse.”
One committee member says there are a couple bills that would help with agency staffing. Dale says she plans to go to UIA offices and conduct a listening tour. Despite complaints, Dale says 3.5 million claimants received $39 billion during the pandemic.
