Up To Date

Kansas Legislature Unanimously Approves Unemployment Reform

By Steve Kraske,

Published April 20, 2021 at 10:29 PM CDT

Ways To Subscribe

A March audit found that the Kansas unemployment system was defrauded of as much as $600 million.

Following widespread unemployment fraud that hit Kansas particularly hard, the legislature is taking steps to reform its system.

The bipartisan bill, currently on Governor Kelly's desk, extends jobless benefits through September and reimburses $500 million to employers who were impacted by fraudulent claims. The state is also working on replacing its 40-year-old computer network that allowed the unemployment system to be so susceptible to fraud.

Kansas State Rep. Sean Tarwater (R - Stillwell)
Kansas State Rep. Stephanie Clayton (D - Overland Park)

Tags

Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

See stories by Zach Wilson