State jobless agency launches new phone line

Nevada's agency for handling unemployment claims has a new phone number for people seeking information.

The new line should free up space on existing lines for people filing claims.

The Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation on Friday launched the new line, (702) 486-2958. A toll free line for people outside Las Vegas will launch Monday: (888) 743-2958. The lines will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

The new numbers will connect callers with operators who will take callers' information and write down their questions. The department has promised it will respond to callers' questions within three days.

Department officials established the line in response to widespread complaints from unemployed people who receive busy signals, sometimes for days on end, when trying to find out information or file claims.

An Internet claims filing system is available at www.expressclaim.org.