This week, chairman of the House Oversight and Ethics Committee, Representative Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan), announced the creation of the Unemployment Reform Subcommittee.  Serving as chair of the subcommittee will be Representative Joe Graves (R-Linden).  The other members are; Representative Martin Howrylak (R-Troy), Representative Roger Victory (R-Georgetown Twp.), and Representative Rose Mary Robinson (D-Detroit).  The subcommittee is scheduled to hold two hearings next week. 

The subcommittee will have thirty days to review and provide recommendations on two Performance Audit Reports on the state’s unemployment insurance agency (UIA).  Findings in the report include security and accessibility issues with the Michigan Integrated Data Automated Systems that is utilized by UIA and problems involving computer-based adjudication of claims that led to fraud charges against some claimants caused by lack of contact with the claimants.  Furthermore, the audits found problems with the phone center that caused 89% of the calls made during two separate weeks in 2014 to go unanswered.   “As a result of the findings by the Auditor General, a new subcommittee has been created showing the seriousness that the House of Representatives is taking this issue.  The subcommittee will thoroughly review the audit reports and provide recommendations to the full Oversight and Ethics Committee on how best to address the issues raised within these audits,” said Matt Sowash of MLC.

Additionally, the full committee referred HB 4982 to the subcommittee for review.  That bill addresses several issues, including redetermination of claims and sanctions imposed on those who violate the act. 

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