Horsford Introduces Legislation to Protect Worker Data in Unemployment Systems, Recover Stolen Pandemic Unemployment Benefits
August 9, 2022
LAS VEGAS - Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) announced the introduction of legislation to address vulnerabilities in our unemployment systems highlighted by the pandemic. The Guaranteeing Unemployment Assistance and Reducing Deception (GUARD) Act, H.R. 8661, supports the aggressive work of federal and state agencies, as well as law enforcement, are doing to recover pandemic unemployment benefits that were paid to criminal organizations. The GUARD Act also provides new help to workers who were victims of identity theft, and takes key steps to address vulnerabilities in local unemployment systems that could lead to future fraud.
“In the height of the pandemic, scrupulous scam artists sought out ways to acquire the money allocated to help vulnerable workers and families during a time of great need,” said Congressman Horsford. “I am introducing this bill to help our state and local unemployment systems be fortified from future fraud, and to give law enforcement authorities the tools they need to go after these fraudsters and recover illegally obtained funds. And for workers, we also provide new tools that ensure that when workers need to access their unemployment benefits, they can easily and promptly access their earned benefits.”
Specifically, the GUARD Act:
- Enables aggressive action to recover pandemic unemployment benefits that were paid to criminals, supports prosecution of ringleaders, and helps fraud victims by;
- Protects against vulnerabilities discovered during the pandemic by;
- Providing workers who were victims of identity theft with help to quickly resolve any remaining issues for the worker;
- Gives the Department of Labor new tools to assist, penalize, and reward states’ performance in key areas, including; and,
- Authorizes appropriations to fund improvements in performance, state support, and program integrity once the American Rescue Plan Funds are exhausted.
Rebecca Dixon, Executive Director of the National Employment Law Project stated, “The GUARD Act is a step in the right direction to tackle the myriad of equity issues facing UI programs across the country. It would require the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) to develop concrete performance standards for states on equity, benefit delivery, access, and other areas. The bill would authorize DOL to offer financial incentives to states who meet or exceed those standards, and give the agency enhanced enforcement tools to ensure that states comply with the standards and federal UI law.”
Eunique Buckley, a resident of the 4th Congressional District, shared her frustration with the unemployment system. “When I applied for unemployment assistance, the systems did not work. I would get constant busy signals and was not able to talk to people weeks at a time, making it impossible for me to do my verification process and submit my appeal. Congressman Horsford’s bill would help our state’s program and so many others work for us like they are supposed to.”
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Issues:Economy