Letters to the Editor: ‘Mismanagement’ of KY unemployment system hurting workers
Jobs claims fiasco
I’m a lifelong Democrat, and my son is trying to get a March unemployment insurance claim processed. It’s not under investigation. About a week ago, I decided to help with full confidence that he had simply missed some part of the directions. In that week, I’ve learned a dizzying amount of conflicting tidbits and spent hours and hours on hold, not to mention the emails that don’t get a response.
I joined a Facebook group for UI help. The young Kentuckians give one another advice about who to contact and how to answer the vague online questions. One misstep throws a claim into investigation. It would take pages to describe the red tape, but they have become experts.
Along with the advice comes bits of personal information: unpaid bills, no groceries, the knowledge they are months from homelessness, unbelievable stress from the ludicrously complex rules and the inability to get assistance. Their credit scores will go down, maybe significantly. Their interest rates will go up, significantly. They will have long-term financial problems because of it. Beshear can’t stop any of that now. His mismanagement of unemployment is the cause though.
Thousands of young Kentuckians are quietly going into financial ruin to keep the rest of us safe.
Kristin Bailey Wilson, Franklin
Thanks, governor
Kudos to Gov. Andy Beshear for his leadership in the state during these trying times. I know at my age I suffer from lagging morale due to a sense of isolation, physical fear, and distress at the real tragedy and distress being suffered by so many. The governor acknowledges those fears and that makes all the difference, plus he continues to make decisive decisions which can only help us to overcome this crisis. It is sad that we have lacked such leadership at the highest levels of our government.
R.B. Clay, Lexington
Reopening problem
My daughter is a full-time student and restaurant waitress with two small kids.
Her restaurant says she has to come back to work on May 22, but daycare centers can’t open until June 15.
How do you address that, Uncle Andy!
Sen. Rand Paul described you best . . .
Mike Sweeney, Lexington
Masks permanent
Gov. Andy Beshear has stated that we will be wearing masks in public until there is a vaccine. That means forever in Mr. Andy-speak. There is not now, nor has there ever been a vaccine for a coronavirus. Ever. Most common colds are a type of coronavirus, and again, no vaccine for that either. Getting a vaccine is just not going to happen. Sorry, but that’s the truth. We are just going to have to live (or die) with that fact.
The governor says there will be no punishment if you are not wearing one in public. But I wonder if the police will tell you to put one on. If you refuse? Maybe you’re publicly shamed, maybe forced to wear a giant “M” on your chest. Maybe in red. Maybe called a scarlet letter. Who knows?Anything is now possible.
William R. Elam, Lexington
Be an adult
Those who are demonstrating at the Kentucky Capitol for faster reopening of the economy would have more leverage with Gov. Andy Beshear if they acted like adults who could be entrusted with more contact without spreading COVID-19. They would have to show up with face masks and practice social distancing. On the other hand, if they are just a Red Hat there to create political turmoil, the governor and the other 99.99 % of us in the commonwealth will continue to ignore your message.
Michael D. Kennedy, Lexington
All fogged up
In reference to the request from Gov. Andy Beshear to wear masks in public: I will have no problem with that once masks with metal strips across the bridge of the nose are available. This stops exhaled breath from rising and fogging glasses. This happens around 60 degrees. Until then, I feel like it is much safer to see when walking outside than walking blindly. I have tried many anti-fogging products and can’t find one that works.
William Riffe, Lancaster