Thankful for state rep’s help

I am writing to publicly thank state Rep. Robin Comey for her recent help during a difficult time.

Immediately following the outbreak of COVID-19, my wife, a self-employed housekeeper, lost all of her clients as people understandably wanted to limit others in their homes. Her income was lost, so we sought unemployment benefits and with my help, she applied right away.

That’s when our troubles got worse. Eight weeks and multiple hours later trying to process my wife’s claim resulted only in a disappointing denial. But we knew from what we read that she was eligible for benefits.

I didn’t know where to turn, but a friend suggested that I contact my state representative. On May 13, I emailed Comey having never before contacted a politician. I had little expectation that she would get back to me, but to my surprise she replied immediately with questions she needed answered to assist with my wife’s claim. She thereafter replied to every email I sent her within hours, gave me numbers to call and guidance all along the way. She even sent me additional instructions not available on the Department of Labor website to process the claim. Finally, with her help, my wife received her first unemployment check on June 5.

There is no way my wife and I could have done this without Rep. Comey’s assistance. We are extremely grateful for Rep. Comey’s unrelenting aid. She changed my outlook on public servants, for the better, and earned my vote on Election Day.

Steven Sutcliffe Branford