Section 31-2e - Establishment of Office of the Unemployed Workers' Advocate. Powers. Designation of Unemployed Workers' Advocate(a) The Labor Commissioner shall, within available appropriations, establish the Office of the Unemployed Workers' Advocate within the Labor Department to provide assistance to individuals who are unemployed.(b) The Office of the Unemployed Workers' Advocate may:(1) Assist unemployed individuals seeking benefits administered by the Labor Department under chapter 567;(2) Assist unemployed individuals to understand their rights and responsibilities with respect to benefits administered by the department under chapter 567;(3) Provide information to the public, state agencies, legislators and others regarding the problems and concerns of unemployed individuals and make recommendations for resolving such problems and concerns;(4) Assist unemployed individuals with the filing of appeals in connection with the benefits administered by the department under chapter 567;(5) Analyze and monitor the development and implementation of federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies relating to unemployed individuals and recommend changes the office deems necessary to the appropriate federal, state or local governmental entity;(6) Receive and review complaints of unemployed individuals and make recommendations to the commissioner for resolving such complaints;(7) Access prior employment records of an unemployed individual to the extent permitted under state and federal law;(8) Establish and maintain an Internet web site and a toll-free number, or any other free calling option, to allow unemployed individuals access to the services and information provided by the Office of the Unemployed Workers' Advocate; and(9) Take any other actions necessary to fulfill the purposes of this section.(c) Not later than October 1, 2021, the Labor Commissioner shall designate an Unemployed Workers' Advocate, who shall serve at the pleasure of the commissioner, to manage the daily activities and duties of the Office of the Unemployed Workers' Advocate. The Unemployed Workers' Advocate shall have the necessary qualifications to perform the duties of said office, including, but not limited to, having expertise and experience in the fields of unemployment compensation benefits and advocacy for the rights of unemployed individuals. Within available appropriations, the Unemployed Workers' Advocate shall appoint and employ such assistants, employees and personnel as deemed necessary for the efficient and effective administration of the activities of the office.Added by P.A. 21-0002,S. 32 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2021 Special Session, eff. 6/23/2021.