Metro East Sun

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) has still not re-opened its offices, which Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Vandalia) says is unacceptable.

During a recent legislative hearing, several lawmakers questioned why the state’s unemployment offices still weren’t open.

IDES Director Kristin Richards said the offices were closed due to COVID-19 and threats of violence.

“There have been very credible threats of violence against our agency offices and our office staff,” Richards told lawmakers, The Washington Examiner reported. “One of these very public incidents was when a trailer hitch was thrown through our Springfield location on 9th Street.”

Plummer, as well as several other lawmakers, said the offices needed to be open.

“Having an avenue outside of a senator’s office or a representative’s office would be nice,” Plummer said, the news media reported. “I’m just a bit confused why our offices are open and yours aren’t.”

Plummer said since it had been nearly a year since the pandemic began, there still shouldn’t be so many issues with the unemployment system. He said lawmakers are still getting frequent calls and visits from constituents frustrated with the department.

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Summit) said constituents are frustrated.

“People feel disrespected because they’re not getting a level of respect as they’re having these conversations,” Villanueva said, the news media reported. “Right now, where the unemployment offices aren’t open. In that situation, you can go to a building. In this situation, if the person isn’t quick enough and doesn’t actually write down the name of the person that’s supposed to be helping them, it creates an issue.”

Richards said the agency needed to fill 200 full-time positions. She said they currently have 187 applicants.