Florida halts benefits and demands repayment from some unemployed

[mia]

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/fl-unemployed-mayocol-b081411-20110813,0,5254198.column

With online-only filing and other new rules, it's getting harder for Florida's nearly 1 million jobless to receive unemployment benefits. It's also getting tougher to keep existing claims going, some local labor attorneys say, as the state steps up efforts to halt benefits and recoup back payments from those deemed ineligible....

Gov. Rick Scott and the director of the state's labor bureau have touted the recent changes as promoting efficiency and accountability. "Reform measures are projected to save our state $100 million annually, easing the tax burden on employers to help them expand and create jobs," said Cynthia Lorenzo, director of the state's Agency for Workforce Innovation.

Starting in January, the state will cut benefits from a maximum 26 weeks to 12 to 23 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate. (Some unemployed have gotten more than a full year's benefits because of federal add-ons and extensions). The amount that employers pay into the unemployment system also will drop. (Workers pay into the system through federal taxes.)

Starting this month, the unemployed have to use computers to file claims and report job searches every two weeks — a phone reporting system has been discontinued. The state also can reject benefits if a claimant is found to have engaged in "misconduct" away from a former job. In addition, new filers have to take a lengthy "Skills Review Assessment" online before getting their benefits.

[Harmony Blue]

1. For all those anit union DLC types

Isn't a right to work state great? :sarcasm:

[NNN0LHI]

4. Was it anti union DLC types who purchased the non union made cars over union when I was laid off?

I was wondering who those people were.

Thanks for the clarification on that.

Don

[trumad]

2. read this

I so can't wait for the next election.

[sakabatou]

3. Rick Scott and his government is fucking evil

[Not Me]

5. The absolutely saddest thing about this

is that many, many people who find themselves out of work, have no access to computers/internet. And when they are directed to libraries and other places where they are available, they lack the basic skills to use the computer. This is--on its face--a clear attempt to deprive the most needy workers of unemployment compensation.

[Harmony Blue]

6. The way Florida infrastructure is set up

It is really is painful to travel to a library during open hours if you don't have a vehicle of your own. Florida Public transportation is very sub par compared to LDC countries of the world. :(

[nashville_brook]

8. hell, when you're unemployed, you can't afford the tolls to get to a library.

[elehhhhna]

9. Could sue under the equal protection clause...

[mia]

7. Unemployment benefits: 500 a week get extra job-search questions

One question: "What's the lowest wage you're willing to accept?"

When claiming their biweekly benefits, unemployed Floridians for the questionnaire are being asked to detail five employers they've contacted each week. But on the extended review, they're being directed to answer questions about the result of the their job applications, wages desired and work they're willing to accept.

And they must complete the pages before being able to claim their weeks and get their unemployment check. "Failure to do so may result in delay or denial of benefits," says the Eligibility Review provided by Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation on Monday.

Questions include: "What's the lowest wage you're willing to accept?" and "How many miles one way are you willing to commute to work?"

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-08-09/business/sfl-unemployment-benefits-work-search-review_1_unemployment-benefits-national-employment-law-project-job-search