Sen. Fedor and Rep. Sobecki condemn lack of action by Republican leadership to address problems with Ohio's unemployment system

State Sen. Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) and State Rep. Lisa Sobecki (D-Toledo) are pressuring Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) and House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima) to convene the Unemployment Compensation Improvement and Modernization Council in the near future. The council was formed following the enactment of House Bill (HB) 614 last year but has not had a single meeting.

“Ohioans are suffering, and some of the problems with Ohio’s unemployment system are unacceptable. Not just my constituents, but all Ohioans are wondering, why the council hasn’t met?” said Rep. Sobecki. “They haven’t even named a council chair. This hurts Ohioans across the entire state. It is unacceptable that they are dragging their feet.”

Last week, Sen. Fedor and Rep. Sobecki sent a letter to President Huffman and Speaker Cupp regarding the critical need for the Unemployment Council to begin its work. According to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, over 2 million Ohioans have filed an unemployment claim since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. As of the time of release, they said they have not received an official response. 

“After the delays we saw earlier in the pandemic, the council should have started its work on day one. Ohioans can’t wait because their bills can’t wait,” said Sen. Fedor. “This legislature has a habit of manufacturing crises by waiting until the last minute to address urgent issues, only to say there isn’t time to find a real solution. We will not be quiet while Ohioans are suffering.”

Click here to read the letter to President Huffman and Speaker Cupp