NEVADA (KTNV) — Heather Korbulic, interim director of the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR), will be transitioning back to her role as the executive director of the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange after receiving threats.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak announced the change Friday evening in a news release.
Korbulic requested the transition due to receiving threats to her safety, according to the governor's office.
Along with the announcement, Sisolak said Korbulic led the department through the launch of the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, automated traditional Unemployment Insurance processes, and connected thousands of eligible Nevadans to unemployment benefits.
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"Director Korbulic jumped right into DETR in early May and immediately demonstrated her leadership and problem-solving skills. Heather's coordinated project management experience has benefited the department and the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to connect Nevadans to unemployment benefits," said Gov. Sisolak. "I am so grateful to her for taking on this challenging project to make sure Nevadans were able to access their benefits."
However, with the influx of unemployment claims in Nevada since the pandemic business closures started, many have informed 13 Action News of the ongoing issues they have been experienced trying to get their unemployment benefits.
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According to the governor's office, DETR has done the following over the last week:
-worked through more than 131,000 backlogged unemployment claims.
-hired new employees to assist the Employment Security Division.
-increased call center capacity by implementing a cloud-based phone system.
-launched the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation to assist those who have exhausted regular UI claims.
-launched the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program to cover independent contractors, gig workers and others who aren't covered by traditional UI.
-continued to build strong relationships with state agencies to support the department's efforts.
The governor's office also said staff at DETR will continue to connect claimants to benefits, and an interim director will be determined within the next week.
