Walker Says Backlog Of Phone Calls At DWD Has Been Resolved

Gov. Scott Walker says a years-long backlog of calls from people seeking unemployment insurance has been resolved.

An audit of the state program serving the unemployed found that more than 3 million calls were blocked from 2011 to 2014 because of understaffing and a large volume of calls. Walker, however, said that the audit highlighted old information and the Department of Workforce Development has improved their response.

“We addressed the issue,” said Walker. “It’s one where they made significant changes both in staffing and in terms of online services.”

Walker said that upgrades to the online application system helped relieve pressure on the call center. He said that DWD Secretary Reggie Newson told him in May that there haven’t been any individuals waiting or being blocked from getting through to unemployment call centers.