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New state EDD director makes a vow not to repeat mistakes, faces audits about department missteps

Employment Development Department - EDD (FILE)

Rich Pedroncelli/AP

FILE — In his Dec. 18, 2020 file photo a runner passes the office of the California Employment Development Department in Sacramento, Calif. California reported a significant surge in unemployment claims last week for independent contractors, accounting for more than a quarter of all such climbs nationally and raising concerns about a return of widespread fraud, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File)

By: Anthony Wright, 23ABC

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KERO) — Under pressure after audit reports the new director of California's Employment Development Department has vowed the state won't repeat mistakes during the pandemic that delayed payments and made it easier for fraud to happen.

According to the Associated Press state lawmakers questioned Director Rita Saenz about two scathing audits highlighting the department's missteps. She took over last month after the previous director retired.

Lawmakers shared stories of their constituents waiting months to receive benefits after losing their jobs.

Saenz said she could not answer questions about what happened before she was hired but she vowed that it wouldn't happen again.

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