• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Unemployed in FL may have to volunteer to get benefit checks

Is this a good idea?

  • Yes

  • No

Results are only viewable after voting.
satyajitmenon

satyajitmenon

Golden Member
Is this even legal? Sounds like it's going to be expensive to enforce.

linky

STATE --
Get a job or get ready for community service is the newest motto of Governor-elect Rick Scott's transition team.

Floridians receiving unemployment benefits may have to work for their money under the incoming Scott administration.

Scott's team said, in part of a 109-page report, the state has been too easy on those without work. Scott's economic advisors criticized the state's handling of people who get unemployment checks.

The report said the state has done little to get unemployed Floridians back to work.

So, the team is now suggesting that after 12 weeks, the unemployed must start community service before they can get a check. But some unemployed workers think this is unfair.

"Doing community service keeps you from looking for a job," Laurence Lukasik, who is unemployed, said.

"Sometimes I don't have a babysitter and if I have to worry about losing my unemployment because I have to go to community service, what am I gonna do? Either lose my unemployment or have nowhere for my kid to go?" Shane Stewart, who is also unemployed, said.

But not everyone disagrees with the report. Some unemployed people say Floridians should have to work hard for their money.

"A day's work for a day's pay," Bob Green said. "If you're getting paid, you might as well do something."

Reducing the number of people receiving unemployment checks would lower the number of taxes businesses have to pay and provide economic benefit to the state.

But still, many unemployed people say that requiring them to do community service will only hurt their job hunt.

The report also suggests that Scott start requiring those applying for unemployment benefits to prove they've been looking for jobs and stop benefits to those who aren't.

Because of Florida's high unemployment rate, employers face a major increase in the tax they pay into the program. Minimum rates are set to go up from about $25 per employee this year to $72 in 2011.
Click to expand...

Moved from OT.
Admin allisolm
 
Last edited by a moderator:
"The report also suggests that Scott start requiring those applying for unemployment benefits to prove they've been looking for jobs and stop benefits to those who aren't."

This is a good idea. I thought this was standard in every state
 
Skitzer said:
"The report also suggests that Scott start requiring those applying for unemployment benefits to prove they've been looking for jobs and stop benefits to those who aren't."

This is a good idea. I thought this was standard in every state
Click to expand...

I think it is. In Oregon I have had to submit who I have been applying to. This method I completely agree with, because they can check who I have applied to.

Making them volunteer instead of looking for a job is a stupid, stupid idea. Especially if the person has kids or responsibilities that unemployment doesn't pay enough for.
 
techs said:
Employees pay for unemployment insurance and should not have to work for the benefits.
Click to expand...

Ronstang said:
Not three years worth you moron. This is a great idea.
Click to expand...

So, the team is now suggesting that after 12 weeks, the unemployed must start community service before they can get a check. But some unemployed workers think this is unfair.

Wrong, you insufferable twit.
 
I think this is a great idea. Too many people abuse the system. Sure, there are many legit people drawing benefits, but there ARE jobs available. It may not be what you want to do, but there are jobs to be had if you really want to work.
The same thing should be done to people receiving welfare benefits.
 
Ronstang said:
Not three years worth you moron. This is a great idea.
Click to expand...

Where can you get three years worth of UE?

Also, they do pay for more than 12 weeks in UE insurance.

Other than that, I agree. If it's for the extended stuff, then sure, put them to work.
 
IIRC except for extended periods of unemployment which the Federal government grants during severe economic times, unemployment INSURANCE is fucking INSURANCE.

So, who the fuck is the governor to say how you can get the benefits for something you paid for?

Or, in Florida, should you have to do community service if you have a car accident and want your insurance company to pay?
 
Terrible idea. They need more oversight on making sure they're actually looking for work; not essentially employing them under the state and taking them away from looking for a job.
 
AyashiKaibutsu said:
Terrible idea. They need more oversight on making sure they're actually looking for work; not essentially employing them under the state and taking them away from looking for a job.
Click to expand...

Here's what makes it even more terrible.
The worker pays for unemployment insurance. Loses their job. To get the benefits THEY paid for Florida is going to demand they do UNPAID work for the state.

Sounds like SLAVERY to me.

I guess the next step is if your house catches fire you have to work for Florida to get your insurance benefits?
 
Last edited:
Here is how it should work. You are given benefits for a predetermined amount of time. If you do not have a job in the allotted time, you must do community service to continue to receive benefits.
Again, I am telling you, there are jobs around. Most people have an inflated self worth. If I lost my job tomorrow, I would take almost any job, probably more than one if needed. Walmart, McDonalds, Burger King, where ever. I am not so proud as to take a job in such places.
 
techs said:
No, actually it comes from money the employer would have paid you.
Click to expand...

That makes no sense. Employers pay into a state/federal fund. No where do the employees pay a tax or fee or deduction that goes into this fund. Show me your proof & I will concede. But as a manager I know what I am saying based on many, many, training meetings & discussions on how to terminate employees.
Unemployment benefits are paid out based on length of employment. There is actually a hearing with the employer & the unemployment agency that determines whether or not an employee will receive benefits. (I have had to provide information on this many, many times)
Employees are never ,ever held financially responsible for paying into the unemployment tax.
 
Last edited:
IndyColtsFan said:
I agree with this for the initial unemployment period, but once that is up, you should have to do something to earn the extensions.
Click to expand...


Where will the money come from to enforce it? Also who will write up the rules and also defend them in lawsuits?

penny wise dollar foolish


Instead it be much easier to give 100% up to A weeks, then 80% B weeks and so forth. No need for extra money for enforcement and give motive for someone to take jobs they might not have.
 
My friend was telling me another state or city did this a while back. Instead of community service the gov would find real jobs for the unemployed. The companies that hired them would only have to pay say 80% of their wages, while the gov paid the remainder.

Said it cut down unemployment claims a lot. Don't know how accurate that is, can't find any info.


But imo yes the unemployed need to be doing something. I know a guy that has been on unemployment benefits for over a year, and keeps getting them prolonged with all these extensions.

Reason he can't get a job, he doesn't want to work for less money than he was making before the recession. Now he just collects his free money, does little repair jobs under the table, and us working folk continue to pay for this pos.

I would gladly lose my job and take the pay cut to have a year long vacation making $492 a week for playing video games. Seriously there's no reason to look for work when you're getting paid not to work.
 
Marlin1975 said:
Where will the money come from to enforce it? Also who will write up the rules and also defend them in lawsuits?

penny wise dollar foolish
Click to expand...

That's up to the state of Florida. Personally, I don't think we should be extending unemployment past a year.

Instead it be much easier to give 100% up to A weeks, then 80% B weeks and so forth. No need for extra money for enforcement and give motive for someone to take jobs they might not have.
Click to expand...

Hey, that's a great plan too. I have no problem with that approach either.
 
Chocu1a said:
That makes no sense. Employers pay into a state/federal fund. No where do the employees pay a tax or fee or deduction that goes into this fund. Show me your proof & I will concede. But as a manager I know what I am saying based on many, many, training meetings & discussions on how to terminate employees.
Unemployment benefits are paid out based on length of employment. There is actually a hearing with the employer & the unemployment agency that determines whether or not an employee will receive benefits. (I have had to provide information on this many, many times)
Employees are never ,ever held financially responsible for paying into the unemployment tax.
Click to expand...

Employees are worth $x. Whenever something takes money out of $x, that reduces the hourly rate you get paid. Nobody gets health insurance through their employers. Your pay gets reduced to pay for it. Likewise with unemployment insurance. You don't get that "free". Your pay is reduced to cover it.
 
As someone who lives in Central Florida, I think all they should do is drug test. If its positive for anything (including alcohol, if you can't afford to live and are unemployed you don't need to be wasting money on booze) you don't get benefits for 6 months, after which you take another test, if you fail three times you are never allowed government assistance.

Oh, when I come to power...
 
techs said:
No, actually it comes from money the employer would have paid you.
Click to expand...

Chocu1a said:
That makes no sense. Employers pay into a state/federal fund. No where do the employees pay a tax or fee or deduction that goes into this fund. Show me your proof & I will concede. But as a manager I know what I am saying based on many, many, training meetings & discussions on how to terminate employees.
Unemployment benefits are paid out based on length of employment. There is actually a hearing with the employer & the unemployment agency that determines whether or not an employee will receive benefits. (I have had to provide information on this many, many times)
Employees are never ,ever held financially responsible for paying into the unemployment tax.
Click to expand...

Uh, so I guess you should have to work for your Social Security because the employer pays a portion? Or, your employer should get your tax refund since they "paid" your taxes?
Uh, no.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top