Author Archive
Natalie Alms
Digital Government
Hawaii’s wildfires led to fast tracking federal identity tools for unemployment claims
Unemployment is on the rise in Maui due in part to the drastic drop in tourism after the devastating wildfires. But the state's rapid deployment of an underutilized federal identity verification tool will help it get benefits to the people who really need it.
Digital Government
Real ID requirements temporarily waived for states' mobile IDs
The coming rulemaking would waive REAL ID Act requirements so that federal agencies can still accept mobile driver's licenses when the law’s implementation starts in 2025.
Finance
IRS seeks states’ input on its direct file pilot
States have until Sept. 4 to tell the IRS if they’re interested in participating.
Digital Government
Unemployment insurance modernization takes hit in Congress
The funding reduction is part of the debt ceiling compromise, but the Labor Department says it still plans to focus on helping states combat identity fraud and strengthening the integrity of the UI system.
Finance
Want to track pandemic relief spending? Data problems make that difficult, committee says
Tracking pandemic funds required the use of multiple federal, state and local data systems, a group appointed by Congress found. Ultimately, it had to contact state and local entities directly to gain a better understanding and fill data gaps.
Management
Is government culture stifling customer experience innovation?
Risk aversion among government managers is blocking needed improvements to key programs, according to a recent white paper.
Digital Government
What State Unemployment Modernization Pilots Get Right
Pilot programs in two states focusing on identity verification for unemployment systems could set the stage for nationwide modernization.
Management
Biden Will Veto Republican-Led Clawback of Unemployment Funding
The Office of Management and Budget says that the president would veto a Republican proposal to rescind American Rescue Plan Act funding for unemployment if passed by Congress.
Digital Government
Some States May Be Barring the Door to Unemployment Benefits
Nine states are requiring unemployment insurance applicants to verify their identity before submitting applications.
Digital Government
Watchdog Urges States to Use ‘Extreme Caution’ on Facial Recognition
The use of facial recognition in unemployment insurance programs has spread across states, raising concerns from the Labor Department's watchdog about access and privacy.
Digital Government
New Guide Looks to Slash 'Time Tax' on Benefits Applications
The project is one example of a Biden administration push to rework intake forms for government programs to be more user-friendly and less time consuming.
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Workforce
Federal Watchdog Pegs Pandemic Unemployment Fraud at Over $60B
But the Government Accountability Office also cautioned that a firm estimate is tough to pin down. The analysis looks at an 18-month period starting in 2020.
Digital Government
States Must Plug Into Federal Antifraud System for Food Aid Under New Rule
The system, meant to help prevent duplicate participation, is expected to make enrollment and oversight easier with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Workforce
Concerns Grow Over AI in Hiring Processes
Automated tech, including artificial intelligence for job recruiting, interviewing and hiring, may discriminate against qualified job-seekers, government officials warn.
Workforce
States Need to Invest in Their Unemployment Systems, Labor Secretary Says
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh told congressional lawmakers that the federal government also has to contribute to upgrading the system that the Government Accountability Office deemed a poorly performing government program.
Finance
Agriculture Department Offers Grants To Improve SNAP
The USDA says that the grants fall in line with administration priorities around equity and inclusion, as well as improving the customer experience of Americans interacting with government programs.
Digital Government
Labor Dept. Pilot Taps State Data for a New Look at Who is Getting Unemployment Benefits
Data on access to unemployment insurance broken down by demographics can help program administrators make sure that they help everyone entitled to the benefit access it, the Labor Department says.
Digital Government
White House Looks to Focus Service Delivery Around ‘Life Events'
The Biden administration is fleshing out a plan to organize government services around the needs of Americans and not around agency org charts.
Digital Government
Code for America’s CEO on This Moment in Civic Tech
Amanda Renteria talks about the recent customer experience executive order, the nonprofit's work in federal and state government service delivery and what's next.
Finance