Congressman Thompson Expresses Concern About the Challenges Unemployed Mississippians are Facing in Applying for Benefits
For ImmediateRelease Contact : Ty James April 22, 2020 (202) 225-5876 Congressman Thompson Expresses Concern About the Challenges Unemployed Mississippians are Facing in Applying for Benefits |
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Rep. Bennie Thompson released the following statement on Mississippi's Unemployment Services.
"My office has been flooded with calls from frustrated constituents who have not been able to access the Mississippi Department of Employment Services phone number. The CARES Act expanded the eligibility for compensation to self-employed workers, independent contractors/freelancers, and ‘gig economy' workers. The State of Mississippi announced the expansion of unemployment benefits during the coronavirus crisis to cover people who did not previously qualify for assistance. However, people are unable to access the funds that have been made available to them by the federal government. Many individuals, who are eligible for this program only, have shared their newfound dilemmas to our office. There are serious discrepancies between what is being publicized and reality. The State of Mississippi must make the improvements as soon as possible to help these individuals." |