By Patty Murray, Wisconsin Public Radio

MADISON (WPR) Wisconsin's unemployment rate for August was 8.4 percent.  That's down almost a half percent compared to July, but still twice the rate it was a year ago, which means twice as many Wisconsin residents are out of work now as compared to 2008.

In response, the State Department of Workforce Development (DWD) is working to handle the record number of claims for unemployment insurance.  DWD Secretary Roberta Gassman says her department's website has doubled its capacity.  Also, she says the department has extended its hours so people can call earlier in the morning and later in the day.  The DWD also has Saturday hours now.

DWD officials have hired 100 people to staff their phones and plans to hire 70 more.  Gassman says they're temporary positions because she expects to economy to recover.

But the new employees cost money.  Employers who lay off staff must contribute to the Federal Unemployment Trust Fund.  Then states must borrow money from the fund to pay claims.  Gassman says the improvements to Wisconsin's unemployment claims office amount to $7-million borrowed interest free.  She adds that these are federally funded positions so the federal government provides DWD with resources and money to pay salaries. 

Gassman and five other state labor secretaries are calling on the U.S. Senate to extend unemployment insurance benefits by thirteen weeks.  In the meantime, she recommends people who need to file a claim call during off-hours.  To avoid a busy signal she says don't call during the noon hour or on Mondays. 

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Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org

Related: NW Wisconsin unemployment rates fall from July to August