Rep. Sobecki calls Republican attempt to limit public testimony on fixes to state's unemployment system "disgraceful"

Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo) criticized Republican lawmakers for limiting public testimony during Thursday’s meeting of the Unemployment Compensation Modernization and Improvement Council. Concerned Ohioans were barred from offering in-person testimony on their experiences with the state’s unemployment system during the coronavirus pandemic. The committee accepted only written testimony.

“It’s disgraceful that Republicans cut off in-person testimony today for the second time in as many hearings. For the past year, nothing has been more important to the working people and families in my district than our unemployment insurance system. When Ohioans needed these benefits most, the system crumbled, leaving thousands to wait days, weeks and even months to access the insurance benefits they paid into. Ohioans want to have their say on how we fix this system to work better for them. The least we can do is hear them out.”