Tucson, Ariz. – Rep. Raúl M. Grijalva today congratulated the State of Arizona on a new $1,994,424 Department of Labor grant to improve the state unemployment insurance (UI) program, identify and recover improper UI benefits and upgrade outdated information technology systems.

“We need to make sure unemployment benefits are going to the people who need them and prevent abuses that undermine faith in a successful, necessary program,” Grijalva said. “Economically vulnerable Arizonans sometimes need help to get back on their feet, and UI is an effective way to help them do it. Improving checks and balances and upgrading oversight is an important part of making the whole program work, and I thank the state for putting these funds to good use.”