HARRISBURG – In light of numerous concerns about the Unemployment Compensation system’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic, two Senate committees will hold a joint hearing to examine some of the issues plaguing the system on Tuesday, May 5, from 1-3 p.m.
The hearing will be streamed live at www.pasenategop.com.
Senate Labor and Industry Committee Chair Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Senate Communications and Technology Committee Chair Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) said the hearing would include discussion of issues that have arisen during the COVID-19 disaster emergency, including problems with UC computer systems and applications.
Governor Wolf’s stay-at-home order has forced many employers to remain closed since March 19. The governor’s actions have pushed more than 1.8 million Pennsylvanians into the Unemployment Compensation system, leading to long delays, egregious mistakes and mass confusion for thousands of claimants.
Testifiers from the Department of Labor and Industry will include Jerry Oleksiak, Secretary; Bob O’Brien, Executive Deputy Secretary; and Bill Trusky, Deputy Secretary for UC Programs.
Additionally, Alex Halper, Director of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Julia Simon-Mishel, Supervising Attorney – Unemployment Compensation Unit, Philadelphia Legal Assistance, and Chris Hackett, President and CEO of i2M have agreed to provide testimony.
CONTACT: Eric Kratz (717) 215-1259 (Senator Bartolotta)