With the Coronavirus continuing to spread across the state of Florida, Rep. Lois Frankel (D) put together a tele-press conference from several members of the Democratic congressional caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives to press upon Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) to make fixes to the state’s compromised Unemployment Benefits system.
“It is wrong and immoral to order people to stay home, away from work, and then to deprive them of the resources that they need to survive when in fact the resources can be made available,” stated Rep. Frankel
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz was a little more “blunt” and critical with her remarks about DeSantis.
Rep. Wasserman Schultz said that “Rick Scott broke the unemployment compensation insurance system intentionally so that it would push down his unemployment number,” but that DeSantis and the Republican-led legislature “is refusing to fix” the program.
Wasserman Schultz adds that DeSantis has had two years to fix a system he knows has “really serious issues,” and because he had s the executive authority to do so, the governor could make the necessary changes to fix the system, and to make those benefits retroactive for Floridians.
While Wasserman Schultz and other members expressed grave reservations in Gov. DeSantis’ ability to lead and confront the spreading COVID-19 disease, other House Democrats on the video call expressed some optimism in working with the DeSantis administration to combat the virus.
Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (pictured) said that “ it’s time to put politics aside” and come together to make sure that Floridians are protected and that all resources to counter the virus are available to them.
“We are here to work with you, to help you, to assist,” said Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, adding that even though “the problems precede Gov. DeSantis,” as governor he needed to “take dramatic actions” and urged him to take the “bold actions” need to fix the broken system.
“I could care less about talking to the governor today," said Rep. Ted Deutch. "I don’t want him talking to me today, I want him every moment figuring out how he can use his power to help our fellow Floridians access the benefits that they deserve and that they are entitled.”
To date, the spread of the Coronavirus as reached 14,504 cases and 283 deaths in Florida.
