Press Releases

WASHINGTON–Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement concerning the slow response from the State of Kansas regarding unemployment benefits and implementation of tools Congress provided for hurting Kansans. 

"Congress released more than $9.5 million to the State of Kansas on March 23 to hire additional staff to process unemployment claims and make sure our state had the resources to support unemployed workers," said Rep. Estes. "The CARES Act, signed into law March 27, provides an additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits, including to those who don't typically qualify. Guidelines were issued April 4 and 5. Kansans need relief now, and Congress and the Trump administration worked swiftly to provide that relief to the states. At no fault of their own, Kansans are finding themselves waiting for unemployment due to lost jobs and wages. COVID-19 is not only a health crisis, but an economic crisis for families trying to keep food on the table and pay bills. Now it's time for Governor Kelly and her administration to focus on the needs of hurting Kansans and fix these issues. My office receives calls every day from single moms, dedicated veterans, and struggling families who need unemployment benefits. The status quo is not sufficient, and Congress has provided the tools to make it better." 

Rep. Estes voted in support of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act that provides the additional funding for states to support unemployment benefits, as well as the CARES Act that includes an additional $600 per week in unemployment benefits. Both bills, along with an initial response package, have been signed into law and are already helping Americans in Kansas and across the country. An overview of the three bills can be found at estes.house.gov/coronavirus. 

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.