With over half of all adults in California reporting lost income since March and a 17% unemployment rate across the state, Senator Jim Nielsen (R-Tehama) joined over 60 lawmakers to demand the Employment Development Department (EDD) to do better to serve Californians.

“The first and last priority of all government workers is to serve,” said Senator Nielsen. “EDD is failing at its job. There is no excuses for not serving Californians who lost their jobs to no fault of their own, who have depleted their life savings, gone into extreme debt and are filled with anxiety each, and every day.”

“Governor Newsom's administration must do better and expedite these funds to desperate Californians.”

Since the pandemic, Senator Nielsen’s office has resolved over 375 EDD cases, with 136 outstanding. These numbers reflect those who have contacted Senator Nielsen’s office. Statewide, 1.13 million Californians are still waiting on benefits.

Please click here to read the bi-partisan letter in its entirety.