AUGUSTA, Maine (WGAN) The governor’s administration came under fire from state lawmakers after the state’s labor commissioner failed to show up to a briefing on Thursday.

The Maine Legislature’s Labor Committee convened Thursday to ask questions of Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman, but were disappointed that she wasn’t present. Rep. Larry Lockman went as far as calling for a motion to call for her resignation:

I hereby move that the committee call for the resignation of Commissioner Fortman.

Lawmakers on both sides shared similar sentiments:

“This is an outstanding and outrageous failure of the Mills administration and Labor Commissioner Fortman” – Sen. Stacey Guerin

It comes as many Mainers filing for unemployment still face delays in receiving payments, and as the department deals with fraudulent claims.

Governor Janet Mills’ press secretary Lindsay Crete says her administration made it clear last week that Commissioner Fortman wasn’t likely to attend the briefing. She says Governor Mills instructed to her not to attend and instead remain engaged in her work to get unemployment benefits out to Mainers.

Governor Mills also released her own statement:

“I directed Commissioner Fortman to remain engaged in her work today and to continue to push out benefits to Maine people who desperately need them – a goal lawmakers share. The Department of Labor will continue to keep legislators apprised in writing of all significant developments.”