Prairie State Wire

Rep. Allen Skillicorn called on Gov. J.B. Pritzker to focus on the needs of Illinois residents and work on the inundated unemployment system instead of criticizing President Trump.

“Instead of wasting time sniping and President Trump for every little issue, Pritzker should be focused on the unemployment fiasco in Illinois. My office is being inundated with Illinoisans suffering due to job losses caused by the way the Governor has chosen to address this virus,” said Skillicorn in an April 10 press release.

The press release is filled with stories from Illinois residents saying they are struggling to get questions answered about unemployment, to file for unemployment, or who are begging Skillicorn to do something to make the processes work.

One story comes from a woman named Marie, who wrote to ask for information about Illinois' unemployment benefits and COVID-19 relief for self-employed workers. Her note reads:

“Can you clarify what is happening for Illinois and Unemployment Benefits/Covid-19 relief for Self-employed workers? I applied for unemployment and was given a number. I received the IDES debit card, but there is zero balance on it. Does this mean I've been approved for unemployment? When will funds be deposited. When I go to the state website, it says that the program for self-employed workers is not in effect yet. Why not? When will this happen? This shut down affects us freelancers greatly as companies are cutting back and even laying their own staff off. It's very hard to get work. Company leaders are telling me to check back in the future. We consultants need relief now. Please clarify when the funds will be made available in Illinois. Best regards, Marie.”    

Others writing to Skillicorn have had trouble signing up and receiving answers to their questions.

Another citizen named Kent writes,

"There are many of us who need to contact the Illinois Dept. of Employment Security but cannot reach a live person no matter when a call is placed. I’ve been trying since April 2nd. Each attempt has taken just over 5 minutes to listen to the recorded messages and make selections, only to be told there are too many callers before the call is disconnected. “

He received an email telling him to certify—but to certify by phone a PIN number is required, which is obtained get from a phone call with IDES. Few are getting through. 

These are only a few of the stories of Illinois residents struggling to claim unemployment, according to Skillikorn.

“While you are playing politics on the national stage, the people of Illinois suffer. You are failing them. Focus on fixing this now Governor!” Skillicorn said.