LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Embattled Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) director Julia Dale is stepping down to take on the role of CEO at Detroit-based nonprofit Civilla.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Dale in 2021 and she directed the department during the state’s numerous and stringent COVID-19 lockdowns.
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Dale will leave her post on Jan. 3.
Due to those lockdowns which impacted Michigan businesses, Dale’s tenure was punctuated by rampant unemployment claims and the distribution of fraudulent benefits. In addition, the agency faced criticism for taking a long time to distribute benefits to legitimate claimants.
The UIA has a history of problems. Prior to COVID-19, workers sued the state after the UIA falsely accused 40,000 people of fraud between 2013 and 2015. The state garnished ages and tax refunds, then issued $20 million in refunds to those affected.
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