Esd.

But she concedes ESD has a lot of work to do before the next economic downturn.

Richards speculates that many people who struggled with ESD’s online system during the pandemic still have “a lot of trauma and concern” and fear that even a small mistake will delay benefits or get flagged for fraud.

During the peak winter claims season, ESD estimates it would have needed an additional 135 staffers to answer all incoming calls.

ESD’s problems have the attention of state lawmakers.

Many have been flooded by calls and emails from desperate constituents and are ready to find funding for ESD’s staffing shortfall and outdated technology, said state Rep. Liz Berry, D-Seattle, who chairs the Labor & Workplace Standards Committee.