SANTA FE (AP) -- Gov. Bill Richardson has ordered the state Workforce Solutions Department to begin operating seven days a week to get unemployment benefits out as quickly as possible.

Richardson says department employees are working hard under trying circumstances, but they obviously need more help.

The governor also told the department to move forward with about 20 emergency hires.

He also directed the state personnel office to identify about 30 employees across state government with the skills necessary to immediately help the Workforce Solutions Department.

The department also will make paper applications available in addition to current call center and online applications at certain high-population areas where trained staff can handle them.

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