Powell Comments on Unemployment Compensation Hearing

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jena Powell (R-Arcanum) recently attended a House Ways and Means Committee hearing for House Bill 614, legislation that addresses Ohio’s unemployment compensation system. Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) Director Kimberly Hall testified and answered questions from committee members regarding concerns with unemployment compensation.

“The state unemployment system has failed Ohioans in our greatest time of need,” said Powell. “I appreciate Director Hall taking the time to have constructive conversations with the committee regarding how and why the unemployment compensation system failed many Ohioans during the COVID-19 pandemic. Ohioans deserve better and this is unacceptable. It is clear we need to take multiple steps to improve the system so we can ensure these massive delays will not happen again. People need to be held accountable for this inexcusable failure to Ohio families.”

Committee members and Director Hall discussed a number of issues regarding Ohio’s unemployment compensation system, including the call center, lack of staffing, outdated infrastructure, wait times, planned improvements, and more.

H.B. 614 was recently introduced by State Reps. Mark Frazier (R-Newark) and Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville). The legislation allows the General Assembly to study and reform the application, processing, and administration infrastructure of Ohio’s unemployment compensation system

“I look forward to continuing these productive conversations with my colleagues and ODJFS to determine best practices moving forward and ensure that Ohioans will receive the adequate assistance they deserve,” added Powell.