Here's a way to cut state costs: Correct a simple administrative error with a couple of phone calls, instead of hearings before an administrative law judge.
I was informed by the New York State Department of Labor this week that I have the right to request such a hearing "at no cost to you," to contest the department's rejection of my "Section 599" application. I'd sent off the application in mid-August in my capacity as a laid-off newspaper man who is studying at a community college (HVCC) for an associate's degree in chemical dependecy counseling. The application was rejected for this one reason: "A Master's degree is required to be a Substance Abuse Counselor, necessitating an additional 4 years of study. Under Section 599 of the Unemployment Insurance Law, training must be completed within 24 months."
But ... a master's degree is not required. Although I have an ancient bachelor's (in journalism), I didn't go for a master's now because the HVCC program of an associate's plus the CASAC credential is a quicker way back into the work force. I mentioned CASAC on my application form, and listed two chemical dependency department professors who could have told the Labor Department that a master's is not needed. So could the state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (which handles the CASAC process).
The Labor Department letter listed no way to discuss this on the phone. I called the department's local "one-stop" center, and they couldn't help me. So I guess I'll write in to request the hearing, while indicating it really should not be needed.
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