Thread: Nearly half a million Oklahomans have filed for unemployment amid the pandemic. More than $700 million has been successfully paid. Almost 200,000 claims have been denied.

The sheer volume of the situation is astounding. https://twitter.com/denwalt/status/1263908896382480385

Roberson took over just prior to the outbreak of COVID-19. The amount of successful claims paid out is testament to the incredible work performed by that department in such a short amount of time.

But with so many still stuck awaiting payment, be it a product of sheer volume, poor technology, or otherwise, Roberson was asked to step away from her leadership position.

Now, will things improve with a new director? We will see. That’s quite a challenge to step into, leading a state employment agency during all of this. I don’t envy the person, whoever it ends up being, in the same way I did not envy Roberson’s task.

Throughout it all, I’ve been proud of @denwalt and @jackmoney48 and @PBurkes for their continued coverage of the employment crisis in Oklahoma. They’ve worked hard to keep everyone as up-to-date as possible with these staggering numbers.

I must also commend Roberson for her transparency during her time as director. She provided answers to many of my business team’s questions, right from the start. I hope her successor is as dedicated to public information as she was. Many public officials aren’t.

Keep tracking with @TheOklahoman_ for more updates in the future. I’ll be working as well helping where I can. Stay safe out there everyone, and for the many still fighting to get their unemployment, I’m hopeful your issues are resolved as soon as possible. (End of thread)