By Gina Jordan
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wfsu/local-wfsu-951590.mp3
Tallahassee, Fl – A bill that would make changes to Florida's unemployment compensation system was taken up Thursday by a House panel. Gina Jordan reports it would toughen eligibility requirements while lowering the number of weeks benefits would be paid.
During public testimony, Rich Templin with the AFL-CIO argued that the original purpose of unemployment insurance was to give those without jobs spending power to keep businesses open in down times.
"What creates jobs more: a slightly lower tax rate when you're already at the lowest in the nation or more customers at the cash register?"
Representative Ritch Workman of Melbourne took exception to that. As co-owner of amortgage company, he helps pay for jobless benefits, and businesses have seen the minimum unemployment tax jump from about $25 to $72 per worker.
"It's ludicrous to think that if you take money away from our employers that you create jobs as a result. The more you tax employers, the less they can hire, or the less number of employees they can sustain."
Critics of the proposal say Florida could pull down $440 million in stimulus money if legislators would modernize the system. That includes changing the base period for calculating benefits, an idea that was offered as an amendment but voted down. The subcommittee passed the bill on a party line vote.