To help address the ongoing unemployment delays in New Jersey, Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39) and Senator Michael Testa (R-1) have introduced legislation to help residents get the benefits they have earned by requiring state employees to work in person if their job requires face-to-face interaction with the public.

To help address the ongoing unemployment delays in New Jersey, Sen. Holly Schepisi and Sen. Michael Testa have introduced legislation to require state employees to work in person if their job requires face-to-face interaction with the public. (SenateNJ.com)

“I have heard from so many constituents who have been waiting months to get their unemployment payments. These delays are indefensible and have significantly impacted thousands of New Jersey families,” said Schepisi (R-39). “Trying to settle claims online or via email clearly has not worked. Yet, in most cases, the problems could be easily solved with a face-to-face discussion with a Department of Labor specialist. My legislation will get State workers back to their desks where they can meet face-to-face with New Jerseyans and solve the problems in a timely manner.”

The legislation, introduced in both houses (S-3749 and A-5614), requires employees of the labor department and other state agencies to return to work if their jobs require in-person interaction with the public.

Agencies would have to announce plans for employees to return to their posts for “the duration of the public health emergency and state of emergency declared on March 9, 2020 by the Governor, pursuant to Executive Order No. 103 of 2020, and as extended.”

The bill provides that if a temporary closure of a state agency office is necessary, the head of the agency must provide the public with reasonable alternatives consistent with federal and State laws.