DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Federal officials say the former director of Iowa’s workforce agency created a “perceived pressure” to favor employers over workers in unemployment benefits decisions.
The U.S. Department of Labor made the assessment about Teresa Wahlert in a recent letter to Beth Townsend, the new director of the Iowa Workforce Development. The letter was released Monday after a Senate subcommittee meeting over Townsend’s appointment.
Labor officials met with administrative law judges last year over allegations that Wahlert tried to influence the judges. The letter says officials spoke with Wahlert about its findings in December.
The letter makes recommendations, including that the position of a chief administrative law judge be merit based. That protects certain state workers from being fired for political reasons.
A spokeswoman for Townsend says she is reviewing the letter.
