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Kansas to begin search for new unemployment system following prolonged problems with site

Problems persist for Kansas’ unemployment system through the Kansas Department of Labor. The state said it is beginning the process of looking for a new system with hopes to install by the end of the year. Gov. Laura Kelly has also proposed a $37 million budget for modernization efforts.

Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said the state is beginning the process of looking for a new unemployment system followed continued issues with the site.

Since the start of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Labor has had issues with the system, dealing with a surge in unemployment claims.

Kelly said the current system, which was bought when Jimmy Carter was president, was only designed to administer one program — Kansas’ unemployment program. With the pandemic, the federal government created three additional programs for states to administer to respond to COVID-19 hardships.

Kelly’s administration plans to start looking at bids for a new system by summer with the intent of beginning installation work by the end of the year. She said the goal is to address current and future problems and provide an overall better experience for Kansans.

“Ensuring timely payments can only come with a new, modern system, one that will allow us to address today’s problems and ensure the next time we have once-in-a-century crisis that the state is prepared,” Kelly said.

Her proposed budget includes $37 million for modernization efforts.