Illinois State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) wants accountability for continued problems people calling about unemployment. | File Photo
Illinois State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) wants accountability for continued problems people calling about unemployment. | File Photo
More frustration is coming for Illinoisians as people say that they are still being hung up on by those handling unemployment calls at the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES).
According to an ABC 7 I-Team article, lawmakers have been trying to push for virtual appointments with the IDES since March; even after 24 legislators sent a letter to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, nothing has moved forward.
"Illinoisans are still facing unacceptable wait times with IDES and are now being hung up on by the very people who are supposed to help them through the unemployment process," Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) said in a May 7 Facebook post. "The administration has to be held accountable for these ongoing failures and provide real solutions for the people of Illinois."
While the IDES told ABC 7 that some calls are monitored to ensure quality, the IDES does not have a way for callers to provide feedback on how the call went or how their experience was.
IDES is exploring virtual appointments, but no date is set. IDES Director Kristin Richards said that virtual appointments would be the next phase of reopening, but funding for such a feat would not be considered until the next fiscal year, which begins in July.
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