Lawmakers press unemployment officials on hiring, virtual access after release of new audit  

A newly released audit of the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) gave lawmakers Tuesday an opportunity to question agency officials, who outlined ongoing efforts to combat fraud and process an unprecedented onslaught of demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

While examining the findings of an audit for the two-year period ending June 30, 2019, members of the Legislative Audit Commission pressed IDES director Kristin Richards and other agency officials about how to speed hiring at the agency and help more residents access its services.