East Central Reporter

State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) has expressed his strong criticism of the mismanagement of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). This criticism comes in light of a recent Legislative Audit Commission report, which confirmed the extent of mismanagement within the department.

According to the audit released by the Office of the Auditor General, there were overpayments of $5.24 billion in the Unemployment Insurance (UI) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) programs between Fiscal Years 2020 and 2022. These overpayments were a result of fraud, non-fraud, and identity theft.

Representative Niemerg, who is a member of the Legislative Audit Commission, highlighted the lack of accountability within the IDES. He stated, "Even with inaccurate and incomplete data, the audit found at least a '14% leakage' in funds that went to people not entitled to them." He further criticized the former IDES Director, who was moved to another state agency when questions and scrutiny arose. Representative Niemerg called for the former director to answer for the mismanagement and take responsibility for the $5.24 billion in overpayments.

The audit revealed concerning figures, including 481 deceased individuals who received 10,527 payments totaling $6.0 million in UI and PUA programs. Additionally, 158,054 PUA claimants received single payments of $10,000 or more within 30 days or less of applying for these benefits, amounting to over $2.3 billion. Shockingly, the audit also found that 3,448 incarcerated individuals received fraudulent benefits.

Representative Niemerg condemned this mismanagement, stating, "This is unacceptable mismanagement of taxpayer money." He emphasized the need for the state of Illinois to pursue these criminals who stole money intended for struggling families during the pandemic.

Constituents who wish to contact Representative Niemerg's office can reach out to the district office at 217-813-6036. They can also stay updated on legislative news by signing up for updates on RepNiemerg.com.

The mismanagement of funds within the IDES has drawn sharp criticism from State Representative Adam Niemerg. The audit report confirms overpayments of $5.24 billion and highlights the lack of accountability within the department. The figures reveal payments made to deceased individuals, large single payments to claimants, and even fraudulent payments to incarcerated individuals. Representative Niemerg calls for the former IDES Director to answer for the mismanagement and emphasizes the need to pursue those responsible for stealing taxpayer money.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://repniemerg.com/2023/11/08/rep-niemerg-critical-of-ides-mismanagement/