Senator Anthony M. Bucco announced that his office has now assisted 1,034 constituents with unemployment claims, and counting, since the pandemic’s start on March 15th.

Senator Bucco is reminding residents not to give up if they are having problems getting unemployment, and said his office has assisted more than 1,000 people who are now receiving benefits. (Flickr)

“In this unprecedented and historic time, I’ve made it a priority to do everything that I can to help the taxpayers, families and seniors of my district survive financially from this horrific virus,” said Bucco (R-25). “I’ve heard so many frightening cases from every corner of the district – people struggling to make ends meet, choosing between groceries and their rent, waking up every morning to stress over when they’ll get a paycheck again. Countless news stories have documented the outdated and overrun unemployment claims system in Trenton that has made this process a nightmare for those looking to claim the benefits they’ve earned. The stories can be truly heartbreaking, and demonstrated in some cases the urgent need to get these claims resolved as quickly as possible.”

Bucco has been working around the clock assisting the unemployed, self-employed, independent contractors and gig workers who have found themselves unable to work throughout the past four months. Throughout the pandemic, Bucco’s office has averaged about 25 unemployment cases per day, that were resolved in a solid partnership with the Department of Labor.

For anyone who needs help and is still frustrated by the unemployment system, Bucco shared some words of hope from constituents who were helped by his legislative district office:

“This morning I received notice from my bank that the full amount of 3-weeks State UI benefits were being deposited in my account today,” Kevin from Morristown wrote to Bucco’s office. “Accordingly, I was also informed that the 3-weeks of accrued Federal benefits should be deposited in my account next week. My sincere thanks to you and Senator Bucco for assisting and advocating on my behalf!”

“Thank you so much for your help. Unemployment just called and we seemed to have fixed my payments,” wrote Jennifer from Netcong. “I don’t know what I would have done without help from you and Senator Bucco.”

“Senator, I just wanted to let you know I finally got my back unemployment money and also started to get paychecks,” wrote Sue from Rockaway. “I want to thank you and Bruce for your caring and concern.”

“Some of the unemployment cases that we helped these constituents resolve were extremely complex,” added Bucco. “I’m so proud of our office and our staff who worked with these residents day after day to explain the process, guide and respond to their questions, followed up with the Administration, and have done everything we can to move their unemployment claims from pending to direct deposit. If you have given up on trying to get your unemployment claim resolved, I urge you to give my office a call. We’re here to help.”

Residents who need help should contact Bucco’s legislative district office by email at senbucco@njleg.org. His office can also be reached by phone at 973-627-9700.

Bucco has worked throughout the pandemic to help those facing financial strain, including New Jersey’s small business community. In May, he worked with Morris County businesses leaders to release a reopening plan by non-partisan health and scientific experts to demonstrate that lower risk businesses on Main Street could operate safely, just as big box stores could under the Murphy administration guidelines. The input helped drive the state to finally reopen by mid-June.