Share
A bipartisan group of California lawmakers is asking Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan for answers about unemployment payment problems that have upended the lives of thousands of jobless Californians who rely on the bank’s prepaid debit cards.
Lauren Helper
CalMatters
The letter made public today comes days after CalMatters detailed how the state’s exclusive unemployment payment contract with the bank has been strained by unprecedented demand and brazen fraud during the pandemic, ensnaring more than 350,000 unemployment debit cards in mass account freezes. Also under fire for its role in long payment delays is the state Employment Development Department, which first signed the contract with Bank of America in 2010 and earlier this year amassed a backlog of 1.6 million unpaid jobless claims amid mounting concern about rooting out fraud.
“Constituents report they are unable to get through to your call centers, or when they do, the issue is not resolved,” states the letter, which was signed by more than three dozen state senators and assemblymembers. “It is simply unacceptable that Californians entitled to benefits are suddenly not able to obtain them due to a Bank of America determination that is impossible to appeal.”
Among the questions the lawmakers want Moynihan to answer: Bank of America’s criteria for freezing accounts and seizing jobless benefits, who’s on the hook for paying back fraudulent charges, and how their constituents can resolve outstanding debit card claims.
About the Author
Lauren covers the California economy for CalMatters. Her past stories have been published by the New York Times, the L.A. Times, the Guardian and others.
RELATED TOPICS:
US Cable Giants Charter and Cox Pursue $34.5 Billion Merger
15 hours ago
Two Killed in Fresno County Crash Are Identified
12 hours ago
Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid to Resume Quick Deportations of Venezuelans
13 hours ago
Brock Purdy Agrees to 5-Year, $265 Million Extension With the 49ers
13 hours ago
Ex-FBI Chief Being Investigated Over Social Media Post About Trump
14 hours ago
Trump Cuts Could Leave 5,500 Fresno County Families Homeless
14 hours ago
US Stocks Power Within 3% of Their Record as Wall Street Closes Out a Winning Week
14 hours ago
US Cable Giants Charter and Cox Pursue $34.5 Billion Merger
15 hours ago
Two Killed in Fresno County Crash Are Identified
12 hours ago
Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid to Resume Quick Deportations of Venezuelans
13 hours ago
Brock Purdy Agrees to 5-Year, $265 Million Extension With the 49ers
13 hours ago
Ex-FBI Chief Being Investigated Over Social Media Post About Trump
14 hours ago
Trump Cuts Could Leave 5,500 Fresno County Families Homeless
14 hours ago
US Stocks Power Within 3% of Their Record as Wall Street Closes Out a Winning Week
14 hours ago
US Cable Giants Charter and Cox Pursue $34.5 Billion Merger
15 hours ago
Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating Amid Rising Federal Deficit Concerns
11 hours ago
Categories

Moody’s Downgrades US Credit Rating Amid Rising Federal Deficit Concerns

Sheriff Says There Are Indications 10 Escapees From New Orleans Jail Had Inside Help

Two Killed in Fresno County Crash Are Identified

Supreme Court Rejects Trump Bid to Resume Quick Deportations of Venezuelans

Brock Purdy Agrees to 5-Year, $265 Million Extension With the 49ers
