Sharp rise in unemployment claims overwhelms Wisconsin DWD

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A sharp rise in unemployment claims in Wisconsin has overwhelmed the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). So much so, the Department of Administration has stepped in to help with staffing. 

"Clearly, as long as there are people who have unemployment claims that have not been responded to and issues that are still out there, we are going to continue to feel a responsibility for that," said Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan.

The number of people handling the claims has more than tripled, going from 500 to around 1,800. 

Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan said, more help from the federal government is still needed.