New Proposal Would Boost State Unemployment Benefits From $275 To $400
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/NSF) – A Florida Senate Democrat has filed a proposal to boost state unemployment benefits as residents continue to struggle with the economic fallout of the COVID crisis.
Sen. Randolph Bracy, D-Orlando, filed a bill (SB 466) that would increase from $275 to $400 the maximum weekly unemployment payment.
Also, the bill would allow people to receive unemployment benefits for 26 weeks in a year.
More from CBSMiami.com
Sen. Marco Rubio On 'Siege Of Capitol': 'This Is 3rd-World Style Anti-American Anarchy'
Former Florida Gov. Charlie Crist: 'It's Time To Remove The President'
'All Is Calm In Our County' Reassures Miami-Dade Mayor After Storming Of Capitol
Last year, the maximum was 12 weeks, though it is slated to go to 19 weeks in 2021 because of a formula in state law.
Nearly 5.14 million people filed unemployment claims from March 15 to Tuesday, as COVID-19 shut down or scaled back businesses across Florida.
About 2.17 claimants had received payments, according to the state Department of Economic Opportunity website.
Bracy's bill is filed for consideration during the legislative session that will start March 2.
(©2021 CBS Local Media. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The News Service of Florida contributed to this report.)
