Gov. Gavin Newsom said Wednesday he'll be focusing on updating the state's backlog of pending unemployment claims.
Newsom has put pressure on the Employment Development Department (EDD) to streamline the process and speed the process. EDD says they're working to end the backlog as soon as September.
"To assist with addressing the almost 1 million claims that may be eligible for payment with additional information, EDD will initiate immediate and weekly reminders to claimants to certify their claim," the governor's office said in a news release.
Newsom announced a "strike team," response to "reimagining," EDD's technology.
Additionally, communication with the department has been dismal, according to callers, and the department has promised to update the call center response and route callers to the appropriate representatives.
The department's hours are currently from 8:00 a.m. to noon, callers say they're unable to reach a human being and are often just disconnected.
The department will also update its automated call center response system to route callers to specialized representatives.
"There should be no barriers between Californians and the benefits they have earned," Newsom said in a statement Wednesday. "Unprecedented demand due to job loss during this pandemic paired with an antiquated system have created an unacceptable backlog of claims. Californians deserve better, and these reform efforts aim to move the Department in that direction."
