CNMI Department of Labor Secretary Vicky I. Benavente on Saturday responded to the House minority bloc’s letter regarding the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation programs.
She thanked the minority members and the community for sharing their concerns regarding PUA and FPUC operations.
“With Governor [Ralph DLG] Torres’ support, our federal partners’ guidance, and this community’s cooperation, the department has been able to build the CNMI’s first unemployment insurance program in the short span of approximately three months from the time the [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security] Act was enacted to the time we received federal funding and launched the two programs,” she said.
Although temporary, she said, these federal programs are multi-faceted operations, inclusive of a call center, claims-taking and adjudications division, a benefits payment control unit, and an avenue for administrative appeals or hearings.
“Not only has the department complied with all federal mandates and frequent reporting requirements, the U.S. Department of Labor has applauded the CNMI’s implementation and management in these programs,” she said.
Despite the accompanying complications of these new programs, she said, the department has achieved great successes in adjudicating thousands of claims, disbursing millions of dollars into the CNMI’s depressed economy and preventing potential liability for millions in fraudulent claims.
The department has received 36,989 unemployment claims, of which 18,896 claims fall under the jurisdiction of the CNMI PUA program, the secretary reported.
She added that there were 18,002 claims identified as belonging to other U.S. states and territories.
She said these claims were outside of the jurisdiction of the CNMI PUA program and flagged for further investigation as possible fraudulent cases.
To date, the PUA staff have received 10,431 emails and responded to 10,500 telephone calls, said Secretary Benavente.
“In consideration of the ongoing federal oversight and the department’s accomplishments, it should be clear that allegations of inaction or misconduct are not warranted,” she said.
She said the department is not removed or apathetic to the needs of the CNMI community.
“The department acknowledges that this has been an imperfect program with technical glitches and unpredicted delays — none of which are unique to the CNMI,” she said.
Moreover, the department acknowledges the complexity and frustration with applicable federal laws, Hawaii state law, and other limiting legal principles, she added.
Since the enactment of the CARES Act, Benavente said the department has worked tirelessly through many challenges and unexpected obstacles, including the safety and well-being of its staff, complicated legal issues, and “a daunting number of fraudulent claims.”
“Please do not mistake the department’s vigilance and prudence in navigating this complex and highly regulated federal program with anything but respect for the law and accountability for funding,” she said.
Since launching the PUA and FPUC programs, the department has been proactive to curb concerns and address impediments, she said.
Specifically, the department has educated the CNMI community by conducting multiple outreach events, provided online resources and instructional forms, promoted transparency by publishing administrative decisions, and prioritized or adapted certain operations to meet the growing needs of the local community, Benavente said.
She added that the department shares the minority members’ concern for the CNMI community, as well as its endeavors to serve the Commonwealth to its fullest capabilities.
“We recognize that there is still more work to do and we look forward to working towards more solutions,” she said.
In closing, she said, “During these difficult times, I ask for your continued patience, understanding, and support.”
Copies of the secretary’s letter were sent to the governor, House Speaker Blas Jonathan Attao, Senate President Victor Hocog, Secretary of Finance David Atalig, Acting Public Auditor Kina Peter, and U.S. Congressman Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan.
