TRENTON, NJ – When New Jerseyans need help from the government, many claim nobody is answering the phone. The news comes after a report by NJ.com saying government agencies have gone silent since being sent home to work during the 2020-21 pandemic.
Now, nearly two years after most New Jerseyans have gone back to the office, many in state government have not.
NJ.com claims they made 150 calls to five essential state agencies and their calls went unanswered. Today, legislators called for Democrats and the administration of Governor Phil Murphy to fix it.
“The press investigation confirms what we’re hearing from constituents that nobody is answering the phone at state agencies,” said Senator John Bramnick (R-21). “If you’re having trouble with unemployment or getting a driver’s license, it’s a huge problem that you can’t call and talk to somebody. It’s more proof that the Legislature needs to pass our bill to create a Consumer Czar to call government entities at the State, county, and local levels to determine who’s reachable. It’ll be harder for these agencies to say everything is great when we have monthly reports showing that people can’t get through.”
Bramnick pointed out that not a single call over the ten days got through to a live person at the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), the Department of Labor’s unemployment line, or the Treasury Department’s ANCHOR hotline.
Bramnick’s legislation, S-2430, establishes the independent State Office of the Consumer in the Legislative Branch of State Government.
“How is the Department of Labor still unreachable when the unemployment rate is near its historic low?” asked Senator Anthony Bucco (R-25). “The Murphy administration can’t keep hiding behind the pandemic to say they’re overwhelmed. At a certain point, the administration will have to recognize that it doesn’t have the right staffing in place to serve people. Our legislation will help identify with data where the problems are across all levels of government so we can recommend fixes. Passing our bill is the first step in making sure New Jerseyans get the help they need in a timely manner.”