FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OCTOBER 19, 2009

Shortfalls were Avoidable for Online Claims Filing System Revamp

PORTSMOUTH, N.H.— Recently, the State of New Hampshire attempted to upgrade the online method of filing claims for those seeking unemployment compensation.  This upgrade, which was intended to make filing easier, was poorly planned and made for longer wait times.  Jack Kimball, who has formed an exploratory committee for Governor, says these issues could have been easily avoided.

“A tighter project plan, and a stronger quality control [beta] rollout would have been my approach to this situation,” said Kimball. “Anyone who is familiar with a software rollout understands that there must be a controlled release that allows more novice users a chance to find the new system’s weaknesses.  It is obvious that Governor Lynch’s team did not test this system properly before the general release.  The fact that so many people were locked out of the system upon login is a clear indication the State failed to be prepared for the launch.”

“At a time when New Hampshire families are suffering, the administration demonstrated a failure in leadership by not ensuring that a system crucial to so many fellow New Hampshirites was functioning properly.”

“What was Governor Lynch’s response to this breakdown? The response was longer hours for State employees, longer lines for those seeking benefits, and throwing more money at a situation that was preventable,” Kimball said. “Throwing more money at the problem at a time when the State is dealing with a failed budget is not leadership, it is unacceptable.”

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For more information or to schedule an interview with Jack Kimball, please contact Shannon Shutts at (603) 828-8026 or at Shannon@jackforgov.com