State Rep. Lynn Afendoulis today called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to provide necessary resources for the state’s Unemployment Insurance Agency, urging her to take action promptly to address wait times and other problems.

“I can’t understand how our governor, who should be making the people of Michigan her top priority, has time to go on CNN and other national outlets when she has yet to address this major problem in her own state,” Afendoulis said. “I understand that these are unprecedented times, but Gov. Gretchen Whitmer should have realized, and prepared for, the huge influx of unemployment claims when she closed businesses. Instead, she was caught flat-footed. The people deserve answers immediately so they can properly file claims.

“Regardless of how any of us feel about the actions she’s taking to flatten the curve of infections, she can’t ignore the fact that people need to provide food for their families and pay rent to keep a roof over their heads. This should have been well-thought out, considering the system was going to be used more than ever. She should have had a plan.”

For the latest news and information from the governor, including her executive orders, Michigan residents should visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus. Residents with health-related questions can also email [email protected] or call Michigan’s coronavirus hotline at 1-888-535-6136 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day.