LAS CRUCES - Former New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley said on social media May 20 that violence against the department and threats against him were why he chose to step down from his post in April.
The former cabinet secretary s online remarks came a day after it was reported the Workforce Solutions department, responsible for running the state s unemployment insurance system, had likely overpaid unemployment insurance benefits by an estimated $250 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Numerous employers have reported being overcharged on their unemployment insurance premiums, and are working with DWS on appeals.
The state Legislature passed a law protecting employers from increases due to COVID-19 disruptions in the workforce but some employers saw large increases in their premiums anyway. The New Mexico Business Coalition has reported the issue to the State Auditor s office seeking an investigation independently of DWS.
New Mexico labor leader steps down as jobless claims persist
By SUSAN MONTOYA BRYANApril 16, 2021 GMT
FILE - In this Sept. 12, 2019 file photo New Mexico Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley listens to questions about wage theft complaints during a news conference in Albuquerque, N.M. The head of New Mexico s labor agency is stepping down, just as the latest jobless numbers released Friday show over-the-year losses across all major sectors as the state struggles to recover from the economic fallout prompted by the coronavirus pandemic. McCamley s last day as secretary of the state Department of Workforce Solutions is Friday, the Santa Fe New Mexican reported. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan,File)
By News Editor And Partners
• 2 hours ago SANTA FE – After more than a year of managing an unprecedented deluge of unemployment claims brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and overseeing the disbursement of more than $3.5 billion in funds to displaced workers throughout the state, New Mexico Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley will step down from his position. Here is a statement from the Governor s office:
McCamley’s resignation is effective Friday, April 16. Ricky Serna, who had previously served as deputy secretary at the Department of Workforce Solutions, will serve as acting secretary until a full-time replacement is identified; the administration has begun searching for qualified candidates.
Bill McCamley steps down as New Mexico Workforce Solutions secretary
Former state legislator led the state s response to spike in unemployment claims through the first year of COVID-19 pandemic
McCamley led the department s response to unprecedented unemployment spike during COVID-19 crisis.
McCamley submitted resignation under circumstances that are not clear.
Former deputy secretary Ricky Serna will serve as acting secretary during search for successor.
SANTA FE – New Mexico Workforce Solutions Secretary Bill McCamley is leaving his position in Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham s cabinet, effective Friday, the governor s office announced.
Santa Fe New Mexican, which obtained an apparent farewell email from McCamley to employees of the department.