Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, have jointly proposed a framework for future legislation aimed at equipping the unemployment insurance system to better handle crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The details of the bill, which should help bolster the system in the long term, are still being discussed, but the proposal will include extending the statute of limitations for unemployment insurance fraud from five to 10 years.

The proposal also gives autonomy for states to forgive unemployment insurance overpayments in cases where it isn’t aligned with equity and fairness. To curb fraudulent claims, the senators have proposed letting states hold a fraction of reclaimed payments for administering the program, which should help discourage abuse of the system.

In an attempt to oversee federal funding for state unemployment insurance systems, the framework also encourages checking claims of unemployment insurance against multiple data sources. Additionally, it recommends enhancing the convenience of accessing the services by availing applications in multiple languages, both in physical locations and online, and making the digital system mobile-friendly.

While acknowledging that many of these changes have been long-awaited by those interested in unemployment insurance, Evermore feels encouraged by the bipartisan interest in fixing the unemployment insurance system as opposed to the partisan friction that has characterized the issue.

Gene Sperling, the senior advisor and American Rescue Plan coordinator in the White House, has given the proposed framework a nod, noting that it aligns with some provisions the White House also requested in a previous anti-fraud proposal. The White House is keen on seeing further action taken to prevent and punish systemic fraud and recover funds while ensuring legitimate claimants have easy access.

While many Americans may eagerly await the passing of this proposal, in the meantime, if you need to get in touch with California’s Employment Development Department (EDD), you can reach out to them through https://edd.ca.gov/About_EDD/Contact_EDD.htm. There, you can find phone numbers, emails, and links to various web pages that might answer your questions. For further assistance, visit eddcaller.com on how to get through to the EDD customer service live person or to inquire about the fastest way to get through to EDD.