Roegner Applauds Introduction of Bill to Protect Ohioans from Fraudulent Unemployment Claims
March 4, 2021
Kristina D. Roegner News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson) applauded the introduction of Senate Bill 116, which would improve the safeguards in place to prevent fraudulent unemployment claims. This bill is designed with two primary goals: to ensure that those who desperately need assistance get it faster and more reliably and prevent fraudulent unemployment claims.
"As someone who had unemployment claims fraudulently filed in my name, I know first hand the frustrations many people are feeling," said Roegner. "This must come to a stop, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the unemployment system works more securely and efficiently for the people of Ohio who need it."
Roegner is a cosponsor of the legislation, which was recently introduced by Senators Bill Reineke of Tiffin and Bob Hackett of London.
Ohio has currently paid out at least $330 million in fraudulent unemployment claims. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recently reported that of the 140,444 new claims filed between January 31 and February 6, 44,000 claims have been flagged as fraudulent.
“Ohio is currently in the midst of a fraud crisis. Millions of dollars in unemployment claims have been paid out to individuals seeking to defraud the state and leaving those who need it most without a lifeline,” Reineke said. “We must ensure that our limited resources are going to the Ohioans who truly need our support.”
Senate Bill 116 would require a person who is eligible for state unemployment benefits or pandemic unemployment assistance to provide proof of identification at a local employment office before payments can begin. This could be done with a driver’s license or any two of the documents required to apply for a license that contain the applicants name and address.
To learn more about Senate Bill 116, click here.
"As someone who had unemployment claims fraudulently filed in my name, I know first hand the frustrations many people are feeling," said Roegner. "This must come to a stop, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure the unemployment system works more securely and efficiently for the people of Ohio who need it."
Roegner is a cosponsor of the legislation, which was recently introduced by Senators Bill Reineke of Tiffin and Bob Hackett of London.
Ohio has currently paid out at least $330 million in fraudulent unemployment claims. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recently reported that of the 140,444 new claims filed between January 31 and February 6, 44,000 claims have been flagged as fraudulent.
“Ohio is currently in the midst of a fraud crisis. Millions of dollars in unemployment claims have been paid out to individuals seeking to defraud the state and leaving those who need it most without a lifeline,” Reineke said. “We must ensure that our limited resources are going to the Ohioans who truly need our support.”
Senate Bill 116 would require a person who is eligible for state unemployment benefits or pandemic unemployment assistance to provide proof of identification at a local employment office before payments can begin. This could be done with a driver’s license or any two of the documents required to apply for a license that contain the applicants name and address.
To learn more about Senate Bill 116, click here.