Rep. Barbara Hernandez Continues to Push for Unemployment Relief, Overpayment Reform

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinoisans will not be responsible for returning overpaid unemployment relief under a bill backed by state Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, which was recently signed into law.

“The COVID-19 pandemic created enormous financial challenges for many Illinois families, and forcing them to wade through government red tape while they are just beginning to recover is a pointless and unfair burden,” Hernandez said. “Rebuilding a healthy middle class will drive our economy up to and beyond where Illinois was before the pandemic.” 

Hernandez backed House Bill 2643, which allows for the waiver of repayment for non-fraud overpayments for unemployment insurance recipients. This will effectively ensure Illinoisans are not falsely held responsible for government errors with their unemployment payments. The bill passed the legislature unanimously and was recently signed by Gov. Pritzker. 

“Helping people get back on their feet is my top priority right now. This legislation is one critical step to providing the requisite aid to Illinois families across the state,” Hernandez said. “I will continue to work to help our state overcome the physical, medical and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”