Corrado to Murphy: Reopen State Government Offices Now, October 18 is too Late

Senator Kristin Corrado called on Governor Phil Murphy to reopen State government offices, including unemployment walk-in centers, immediately.

“We’ve heard too many excuses from Governor Murphy for his refusal to reopen walk-in unemployment centers. October 18 is a month and a half away—that’s not good enough,” said Corrado (R-40). “My office continues to hear from hundreds of unemployed workers who can’t resolve their claims online or over the phone to get the benefits they’re owed. It’s unbelievable they still can’t walk into an unemployment center to quickly resolve whatever issues they’re having in a face-to-face conversation. Governor Murphy needs to reopen these walk-in centers and other public-facing offices immediately.”

Corrado has been pressing the Murphy Administration to reopen State government offices for several months. On April 26, 2021, Sens. Corrado and Weinberg called on the Department of Labor and the Murphy Administration to open unemployment offices for in-person sessions so unemployed workers could have their claims settled, particularly claims that have been flagged as fraudulent.

“Unemployment fraud is a serious problem and submitting identifying documents via the online portal is also not as easy as it should be. Sometimes, documents get rejected and people are redirected to start the process all over again,” added Corrado. “This is yet another reason why in-person service needs to resume right now. Much like the Motor Vehicle Commission, New Jerseyans should be able to walk into an unemployment office and simply present the appropriate documentation to prove their identity.”

On June 1, 2021, Corrado once again pressured the Murphy Administration by introducing legislation, S-3831, that required the State’s One-Stop Career Centers to reopen immediately and remain open to provide services to the public.

“These offices have an important role to play in supporting New Jersey’s economic recovery beyond helping resolve outstanding unemployment claims,” said Corrado. “We’ve heard repeatedly from employers that they’re having a hard time finding employees to fill all the jobs they’re creating as they attempt to reopen fully. Unfortunately, they’re getting no help from shuttered One-Stop Career Centers that should be open to help match job seekers with employment opportunities.”

“This far into the pandemic, hard-working New Jersey residents still cannot get their checks, cannot get answers, and cannot even speak in person with people who may be able to help,” added Corrado. “The Murphy Administration needs to reopen all State government offices now so that New Jerseyans can get the support they deserve.”