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In its 16th day – the new CONNECT unemployment system is still creating problems for out of work Floridians who need unemployment benefits to survive. The state says they are working on fixing issues, while one U.S. politician says he’s working on getting the feds involved.

The new unemployment system is still causing problems for people trying to apply for their benefits.

“We know that some people out there are still experiencing issues and we are working day and night to make sure those issues are solved for those claimants,” said Monica Russell, Department of Economic Opportunity.

The new system – the first of its kind in Florida was unveiled October 15th. Since then – a number of glitches have bogged down the system. U-S Senator Bill Nelson said he is working to get the Federal Government involved in finding out what went wrong and getting it fixed. In a statement he said: “The main purpose behind this federal-state program is to help stabilize the economy during recessions. But it certainly won’t be of much help in my state if those who have lost their jobs face protracted delays in seeking or receiving benefits.”

The Department of Economic Opportunity responded with talking points.

”As our executive director said yesterday: we welcome any input Senator Nelson or the Federal Government has on our website as we identify and address problems as they arise,” said Russell.

Published reports say the company behind the new system, Deloitte, has had similar problems in at least two other states. The company spent between 20 and 40-thousand dollars on seven lobbyists so far this year.

When asked why Deloitte, a company which has had a reputation in the past would you be hired by the state, DEO responded: “We secured the contract through a competitive bid process, we’ve been assured the issues that happened in these other states were not prevalent in Florida.”

The state says they expect other issues including the adjudication and appeals delays to be fixed by Sunday.