California Gov. Newsom forms strike team to modernize EDD systems

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom established a strike team to help improve the systems of the Employment Development Department (EDD), which is currently facing mounting complaints from jobless Californians.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, millions of Californians have lost their obs and applied to the EDD to obtain unemployment benefits. However, many are still waiting to receive their benefits and are struggling to make ends meet.

In a statement, Gov. Newsom said, “There should be no barriers between Californians and the benefits they have earned. Unprecedented demand due to job loss during this pandemic paired with an antiquated system have created an unacceptable backlog of claims. Californians deserve better, and these reform efforts aim to move the Department in that direction.”

A “human-centered system”

Julie Su, the Secretary of California Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) said, “While we have faced unprecedented challenges this year, unemployment insurance should be a human-centered system that supports people during hard times. From the first contact to final resolution and all communication in between, we are committed to making the UI experience better for Californians.”