One step closer to confirming new IDES director

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) is now one step closer to finally having a director.

On Tuesday, a Senate committee approved Kristin Richards to become director of IDES instead of acting director.

That approval came after intense questioning from the committee.

"In my 19 months since stepping into this role I'm proud to say that alongside my more than 1,100 other collogues at the department, IDES has played a critical role in the state's response to the pandemic,” said Kristin Richard, acting director of IDES.

Richards was picked for the position by Governor JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, during the pandemic when a record number of employment claims crippled the department.

The approval now heads to the full Senate for consideration.