Unemployed Floridians need help now

Governor DeSantis desperately needs to increase the weekly unemployment benefit with money from the federal loan to help claimants receiving below $100 in unemployment compensation qualify for the Lost Wages Assistance Program implemented by President Trump.

Low-wage earners and those who have returned to work part time with significantly reduced work hours would not be eligible for the additional $300 per week supplement. My husband returned to work 5 weeks ago, only working approximately 18 hours per week. When he claims his weeks now, he receives an average of $82 from unemployment, although while furloughed he qualified for the state max of $275. We absolutely can not maintain our home, food, utilities, healthcare premiums, car payment and car insurance on $247 per week. Families like ours desperately need this additional help. My husband was furloughed through no fault of his own, but is being financially punished for doing everything right- trying to work as much as he can, trying to stay as healthy as possible, and trying to take care of his family.

Just as Governor Edwards in Louisiana has done for the claimants in his state, Governor DeSantis needs do the right thing for Florida’s families and not let anyone claiming below $100 per week on unemployment face eviction, hunger, and additional stress and anxiety beyond what this pandemic already continues to cause. Floridians are desperate for this help immediately.

Diana Kinahan, Riverview