Florida Democrats push for changes to reemployment assistance

ORLANDO, Fla. — Democrats across the state are pushing not just for immediate changes to the reemployment assistance program, but also permanent changes

Today, Sen. Randolph Bracy called for increasing minimums by more than $100 a week during a press conference near a FedEx, where several people could be seen picking up unemployment forms.

Bracy sent letters Wednesday to the state Senate president and speaker of the house to call for a special legislative session.

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He said he also wants to tackle COVID-19 and increase state unemployment benefits. Instead of $275 per week, he’d like to see $400 for 26 weeks instead of 12.

“I’m talking about a permanent change,” Bracy said. “I think this pandemic really shows how meager our unemployment package is.”

However, Republicans control Tallahassee. Gov. Ron DeSantis has already waived some restrictions to allow more people to receive benefits during the pandemic.

“When something like this happens, it’s important that we have a strong unemployment system so that we can restart our economy quickly and help people in their most vulnerable times.”

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