Advocacy Updates
Governor Newsom Announces New Initiatives to Support California Workers
Expanded call center hours, one-stop shop at EDD Governor Gavin Newsom announced new initiatives to support the millions of California workers who have lost jobs or wages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Employment Development Department (EDD) launched a new call center that will operate seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The Unemployment Insurance Branch will bring on an additional 1,340 employees. The Governor also directed the EDD to expedite access to the Work Share program to avert layoffs. The EDD created a one-stop shop for individuals applying for unemployment insurance (UI) and the new federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program. The PUA will provide federally-funded benefits directly from the UI program for certain individuals out of work or partially unemployed due to COVID-19. This includes the self-employed, individuals who may be employees but who lack sufficient work history, and independent contractors. PUA benefits will be issued within 24-48 hours and not the traditional 21 days for regular UI claims. "Many Californians are one paycheck away from losing their homes or from being able to put food on their tables, and COVID-19 has only made these challenges worse," said Governor Newsom. "California is focused on getting relief dollars and unemployment assistance in the hands of those who need it as quickly as possible." The Chamber urges local workers whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 to use the resources Governor Newsom has made available. Visit bit.ly/CATakesAction to learn more about the state’s ongoing COVID-19 response efforts or edd.ca.gov for the California Employment Development Department. Businesses can also visit covid19.ca.gov for critical steps to stay healthy, and access resources available to those impacted by the outbreak. |
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