Lawmakers announce bill to fix Florida s broken unemployment system We ve decided to take action, State Sen. Bobby Powell says Lawmakers announce bill to fix Florida s broken unemployment system
and last updated 2021-01-12 18:30:49-05
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) â Lawmakers have filed a bill they hope will help fix the state s broken unemployment system.
For months people have complained as the current system struggles to meet demand. Small payments, slow approval, and crashing websites have been the most common frustrations.
The bill is the first effort from Democrats who failed to persuade the GOP majority to hold a special session last year to address the issues.
News 6 helps unemployed military veteran claim jobless benefits
Former Marine waited 10 months for DEO to issue back unemployment funds
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A retired Central Florida Marine has finally been able to claim a major portion of his state and federal benefits after News 6 and the Department of Economic Opportunity worked to update an unemployment account on hold for 10 months.
Dave Brulotte served in the Marines as crew chief of an amphibious assault vehicle between 1988 and 1991.
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He told News 6 he was injured in January 1991 and held various jobs through the years from working at a nuclear plant to serving as a cameraman for major concerts including piano and vocalist legend Billy Joel.
Three weeks after President Trump moved to extend unemployment benefits, countless Floridians have still not gotten any payments cutting off a crucial lifeline for workers who lost jobs to the pandemic.
News 6 viewers donate $1,200 stimulus check to struggling family Loss of hours has Longwood family on financial brink
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Since the pandemic Atira Moten has had her hours cut from her remote job with a medical records company to the point where her car has been repossessed and she soon could be evicted from her home.
“I’m to the point now where I have to prioritize whether I’m going to feed my children or pay my bills,” she said.
With two children, 11 and 3, Moten had hoped to receive unemployment help from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity but a benefits denial from 2019 unemployment dispute has blocked thousands of dollars in state and federal benefits she is entitled to.
The package President Donald Trump signed Dec. 27 is slated to provide up to $300 a week in federal benefits. The federal assistance will run through March 13 and involves different programs.