The Kansas Department of Labor (KDOL) finally launched a $48 million, 26-month-long effort to modernize the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system this week.
Kansas’ current mainframe system used to process UI benefits was created in the 1970s. The last attempt to modernize it began under Governor Sebelius in 2005 but was subsequently abandoned in 2011 by the Brownback administration; a decision that critics say led to the systemic inefficiencies and vulnerabilities that occurred within the state’s unemployment system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a result, Governor Kelly urged U.S. Secretary of Labor Secretary Marty Walsh to provide additional funding previously allocated by the U.S. Congress for modernization.
Upon completion, the KDOL’s new system will improve the experiences of unemployed Kansans and businesses that interact with the UI systems by:
- Modernizing technology: Replace the agency’s antiquated IT legacy system that supports unemployment insurance taxes, payment of unemployment insurance benefits, and delivery of employment services.
- Enhancing customer experience: Deliver improved services such as online self-service, automation, access to data, and integration with partners.
- Transforming business processes: Provide improved efficiencies in business processes, offer new tools for KDOL employees, and support more effective service delivery to Kansans.
- Improving data security: Better anticipate and respond to security threats and prevent unemployment insurance fraud.
- Providing expandable technology: Deliver a system capable of supporting new programs and functionality, as well as connections to other systems like workforce tools.
A page has been created on the KDOL website to keep the public updated on the modernization project’s progress. For the most recent information, visit www.dol.ks.gov/ui-modernization.
