TRENTON, N.J. – Freshman Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis is celebrating a record day and successful year in helping constituents get funds that are rightfully theirs.
Since taking office in January 2022, Matsikoudis and her team have recovered nearly $280,000 for residents of her legislative district covering parts of Morris, Somerset and Union counties. Navigating around the fallout of government agency closures, she aided residents in receiving delayed or denied unemployment claims. While those cases comprised the bulk of her constituent recovery claims, she successfully resolved issues with unclaimed property, the state treasury and FMLA. Yesterday was her office’s largest single day of recovered funds, at $29,396.
“My staff and I worked tirelessly to advocate for anyone who came to our office, exasperated and out of answers on their own. No matter what the problem, no matter the state agency involved, we didn’t stop until we got answers, and constituents’ money,” Matsikoudis (R-Union) said. “Ensuring our residents get benefits they are entitled to is a pillar of our office.”
The work paid off. To date, she has had an 85% resolution rate, recovering an average of $844 daily.
“When I see the smile on someone’s face, or hear relief in their voice, I’m reminded why I decided to seek office,” Matsikoudis added. “In these unprecedented times, when so many people really had no idea how they were going to make ends meet or they couldn’t get through to someone to get benefits they were entitled to, resolving their issue makes it all worth it.”