 |
|
||||||
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2005
MISSOURI DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PARTNERS WITH INSPECTOR GENERAL TO INCREASE
UNEMPLOYMENT FRAUD DETECTION
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor director Tom Deuschle today announced an expanded partnership between the state of Missouri and the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (OIG). The expanded partnership will result in a closer working relationship between the state and federal governments in the detection and prosecution of individuals committing unemployment insurance fraud.
“It is important to constantly review and improve internal systems to prevent unemployment insurance fraud and abuse,” Deuschle said. “I am grateful to the Inspector General for their willingness to assist the state in both detection and prosecution of those attempting to cheat the system.”
This expanded partnership between the state and federal governments includes three key components associated with collaboration and cooperation. The components are as follows:
- First, the Missouri Division of Employment Security has granted online access to the state’s unemployment insurance records to the Office of Inspector General. This will allow the Inspector General to view records for audits, evaluations and to review the integrity of the records.
- Second, the Inspector General has agreed to provide up-to-date training to division employees to assist them in fraud and abuse detection in the unemployment security system. The Inspector General brings both knowledge and experience of fraud and abuse schemes utilized in other states.
- Third, a federal/state unemployment insurance fraud taskforce will be established. On a quarterly basis, the taskforce, consisting of OIG agents and Division of Employment Security personnel, will meet to review fraud and abuse cases for referral to state or federal authorities for prosecution.
The Honorable Gordon S. Heddell, Inspector General, United States Department of Labor said, “Detection and deterrence of fraud and abuse in the unemployment insurance system is a priority for my office. I look forward to our partnership with the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations as we work together to combat schemes that compromise the integrity of the unemployment insurance system.”
###
Information and Planning · 3315 W. Truman
Blvd.
· P.O. Box 1958 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-1958
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)