Between March and August IDES paid a staggering $14 billion in unemployment benefits to an unprecedented two million people, according to the BGA.
John Chase with the BGA joined ABC 7 Chicago Saturday to talk about their report.
He said prior to the pandemic, Illinois was known for quickly delivering unemployment benefits to residents. But in March the state started to struggle.
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IDES acting director responds to criticism about Illinois unemployment benefits delays, fraud
Gov. JB Pritzker blamed staffing levels for the difficulties, but the BGA found there were staffing issues before the coronavirus because of the Rauner Administration's decisions, Chase said.
IDES has made some improvements since March, but problems still exist.
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