State Representative Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford, issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) that the agency plans a partial, limited reopening of a select number of regional offices for in-person services.
“This is a small step that is sadly too little, too late for many displaced workers and families here in the Stateline and across our state. When Illinois residents needed help the most, these offices were closed. This limited reopening comes nearly 14 months after the Secretary of State re-opened their facilities after the initial COVID shutdown. Even now, it is outrageous that IDES are only opening a few of their offices. It is a disgrace how poor customer service is at IDES.”
Representative Sosnowski filed HR 226 in April calling upon IDES to make an immediate public commitment to reopen their public-access public employment offices to provide face-to-face help to Illinois residents who urgently need assistance. The Illinois House of Representatives voted to adopt HR 226 on May 29 by a vote of 108-0 with one member voting Present.