U.S. Dept of Labor reforming and modernizing the unemployment insurance system.
WASHINGTON (WWLP) — The U.S. Department of Labor has created the Office of Unemployment Insurance Modernization (OUIM) to work with state agencies and federal partners in an effort to modernize and reform the unemployment insurance (UI) system.
The new unit will develop and support implementing the plan outlined in the UI modernization plans announced August 11, including unemployment insurance reform, and manage $2 billion in funds in the American Rescue Plan Act to prevent and detect fraud, promote equitable access, ensure timely benefits payments and reduce backlogs.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh appointed Yvette Meftah as director to lead the UI modernization efforts. Senior Advisor on Unemployment Insurance Michele Evermore will serve as the OUIM’s deputy director for Policy, continuing to work closely with the Employment and Training Administration to help lead the department’s unemployment insurance policy. Once appointed, deputy directors for Operations and Management and Technology will complete the office’s leadership structure.
