Struggling with unemployment? Your state rep may be able to help
Unemployment is at a historic high throughout the country, and the disorganization of the system has millions of disgruntled Americans asking “where is my unemployment check?” If you’re one of these individuals impacted by a broken system and are looking for a place to find answers, your state representative may be the best way to resolve unemployment issues.
Contacting your state’s elected legislator is an easy thing to do, once you know how. Here is a quick guide on what they can do for you, and where to start!
What is a state representative?
State representatives serve in the legislative branch of the state government. They serve in their state’s House of Representatives and are involved in the process of making state laws. Though there’s only one group of United State representatives who all work together to make U.S. laws, each state has its own set of state representatives who work independently of those in other states.
Why should you reach out to a state representative?
States are facing surges of unemployment amid the Coronavirus pandemic, countless individuals are finding themselves running around trying to find answers to a neverending list of questions. State legislators and their staff are there to help with situations such as these.
Your state representatives are legislators that are elected to represent YOUR concerns and answer your state-level questions. When contacting your state rep, you want to make sure you’re discussing issues they can directly influence. On a state level, this can be things such as unemployment, local education funding, road maintenance, and police funding.
Steps to contacting state representatives
You have the right to express your opinion on all matters relating to the current political landscape. Representatives have an entire team of staff that are devoted to serving their constituents, and it’s your responsibility to raise concerns and make your voice heard.
Step 1: Figure out who your representative is
The United States House of Representatives provides a public database of contact information for each of your state’s elected officials. When you figure out who your state representative is, take the time to do a little bit of background research about them and the issues they support. Make sure you are using reliable sources such as their official website, social media accounts, and other government pages.
Step 2: Learn how to contact them
Chances are you won’t be finding the cell phone number of your state representative anywhere online. This means when you are “calling your reps,” you’re really “calling your rep’s designated staffer.” But, is calling always the best way to have your voice be heard? It really depends, there are various ways you can reach out.
Phone call
Phone calls may be the most effective way to reach out to your state representative. Whenever possible, reach out to the office directly. You may also call the Capitol switchboard at 866-255-3207 who can direct you to the correct office.
Always let the staffer know what specific issue you are calling about and ask to speak to the correct aide. They are generally very busy, so give your full name and state and get to the point quickly and concisely! Think of it as a quick elevator pitch of your thoughts and concerns.
Email
If you are calling and calling an office but you A) can’t get through or B) their voicemail is full, email is another great way to contact your state representative. Most times, you can find their direct email address on their website. When you’re finished crafting your message, be sure to proofread the subject line and body before hitting send!
Snail-mail letter
Letters, though effective ways to communicate with elected officials, are the slowest method of contact. Due to security measures, all mail and packages must be screened prior to reaching the Capitol. So it may take weeks until your elected official opens your letter.
When writing a letter, be sure to keep it brief (1 page or less), state who you are, and add a personal touch to the overall message.
Social media
Though not as traditional as other methods, social media sites like Facebook and Twitter are the newest and arguably, easiest way to contact your state representative.
Phone calls and letters may carry more value in the eyes of lawmakers and congressional aides, contacting your legislators through social media has the unique advantage of occurring in the public’s eye and potentially sparking dialogue. Remember to always be respectful and never use offensive language.
Have you ever reached out to a state representative? What steps did you take?
Comments
I had file a Appeal with Maryland Unemployment Lower court and was denied, then I file with Maryland Higher Court and the Decision was reversed in my favor January. 5, 2024. So, from March 2023 until January 5,2024. So, I was told by an employee from the Higher Court Maryland unemployment I would be getting my money shortly, it didn't happen. So, I called up to inquire and I was told that I have to appeal to the court again because they said I wasn't "Able and Available" which is crazy... I've been filing for my weekly benefits every week since March 2023, and STATING that I was "Able and Available.", so I did appeal as required and now they' telling it could take months. This is what they I'm over here struggling to survive and I'm a Combat Veteran who served this country for over 20 years and this what I get for doing the right thing!! Come on Now. Check OUT THE EMAIL i RECIEVED FROM THEM!! Greetings, You have reached the Lower Appeals Division. Your request has been received for processing and will be placed on a court docket for a date. It will likely take several months to get the appeal scheduled for a hearing. We do not mail any documents, notices or decisions. All information pertaining to your hearing will be uploaded in the BEACON portal. Best,
*If you can not access your account due to being locked out by the Fraud Division or Unemployment Claims please contact us here via email or phone periodically for updates. NOTE: Any information sent and/or responses received after 4:00 p.m. ET will be processed on the next Business Day. K. Adams Lower Appeals Division Communications Manager Lower Appeals Division OFFICE HOURS 8AM-4:30PM MONDAY-FRIDAY CLOSED ON ALL STATE HOLIDAYS 2800 W. PATAPSCO AVE. BALTIMORE, MD 21230 Phone -410-767-2421 Fax-410-767-2532
I filed my claim with Maryland unemployment on Feb 9th 2023 and today is August 17th 2023 and there is no conclusion on the case and i call many many times and no one has anything to report back to me. How do i contact withe senators office to escalate this issue?
I started my claim in January 2021 and now it is August the 26th that is eight months of waiting. I have been told that my claim is waiting for an adjuster. My previous employer didn't respond both times unemployment has tried contacting them. Now unemployment says an adjuster is working on my case. It has been about a month since the adjuster has been assigned to my case and no progress so far. I know that any former employer has 10 business days to respond to an unemployment claim it has definitely been more than ten days. I went threw all my savings and I suffered emotionally due to my former employer. Good luck everyone I wish you the best.
Im in Florida. I got 2 months of unemployment. I'm still claiming my weeks. But it's always something. And I had to reapply so I did and uploaded everything again and my money is still on hold. And ow there saying they have to prove who i am. And make sure im not locked up anymore. I went to the career center and no one wanted to help me at all. Im a single mother and get no help from father. And I have bills i have to pay i have a child. About to lose everything my House car and still can't find work. Food stamps don't even give you enough neither does wic. Can some one help me with my unemployment? What do I do?
Valerie Garrrett the same thing happened to me in Louisiana. I dont owe anything. I did everything right. And people that are doing wrong are still getting it. I lost my apartment, had to sell all my paid for furniture and move all the way to Hawaii just to get a job. I'm living with family because it's so expensive here. I'm so pissed off because I can't get through to the appeals department. Scared to file my taxes because UNEPLOYMENT will take it. I'm calling the state representative to see if that actually work.😤🤔
Im not understanding an overpayment status on my claim i was on pua i started working part time reported all wages benifits reduced everytime i speak with someone i get different information im confused fruatrated unable to access on the portal im struggling i just don't understand do anyone no what is going on i don't owe.
Can anyone please explain to me the process of contacting The State Representative? I really need answers so that I can know what to be prepared for. Anyone? ...
I can personally say that Michigans state senators administrative assistant emailed me directly literally 10 minutes after I submitted my email explaining my personal case. Unemployment called me that very next morning thanks to my Michigan Senator, Jim Ananich and his administrative assistant, Patrick! To everyone else, good luck in these trying times. If you cannot get through to a person in unemployment, I truly believe that this is the best advice you can get during this time! It's worked for me personally!
I. In ky, got my unemployment, they made me refile in January and now they are investigating while I go hungry!
This is a real problem in our country, I am hearing illegal people get free housing and a check and I have worked my whole life and 5 years in Baldwin County, Alabama and I file unemployment every week and still have not received one dime! 11 weeks now, I have now written state senators, representatives, governor, to no avail. If anyone has any positive experience with their unemployment