For some Washingtonians who had their identities stolen to collect benefits from Washington's Employment Security Division, they're being incorrectly told they owe taxes to the IRS on that money.
This is unacceptable and must be fixed, which is why I'm pressing ESD to take immediate action to save these fraud victims from additional hassle and financial headaches. Read more here.
Under the leadership of Suzi Levine, former Commissioner of the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) taxpayers were defrauded of more than $600 million dollars when signs of criminal behavior were missed or ignored. This theft also forced thousands of Washingtonians to go weeks without unemployment assistance. These bogus tax bills are yet another unfortunate chapter in ESD's mistakes during the pandemic.
With this absymal track record, it comes as a shock that the Biden administration would appoint Levine to a National Employment Post. That's why I'm strongly urging President Biden to reconsider Levine's appointment. Millions of Americans who are relying on unemployment benefits cannot risk being negatively affected by Levine's proven poor leadership. Read my full letter to the president here.