When the Pandemic Broke Maryland's Unemployment Insurance

Abstract

In spring 2020, when millions had to apply for unemployment insurance, government systems became overwhelmed and broke down. In the midst of all that, in May 2020, the state of Maryland went ahead with a scheduled change to its unemployment insurance computer system to a new platform called Beacon, which failed spectacularly. We know this generally, but attorney Rachel Harris, who worked for Maryland Legal Aid helping residents secure benefits during the meltdown, explains exactly how the system failed and what problems continue three years later. Local news: a looming federal government shutdown, not understanding school truancy, and new MoCo tipped minimum wage bill. Music from Washington DC post-punk band, Grey Swift: https://t.ly/cu_jx. MCPS Attendance Action Plan: https://t.ly/O7FAz.