Republicans v. Unemployed Continues

A bill cutting unemployment compensation from 26 weeks to 20 weeks has past its first hurdle. Florida has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.

A bill that would cut that state unemployment program from 26 weeks to 20 weeks and make it easier for businesses to deny benefits to laid-off workers has passed successfully out of the House Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee.

No surprise there given that the Republican-controlled Legislature is looking to rein in unemployment costs and the business lobby is a big supporter of the bill.

The Florida Chamber of Commerce has lobbied the Florida legislature to cut unemployment benefits.

"At first glance it appears to be good for business," said Edie Ousley of the Florida Chamber. "We're looking forward to working with the lawmakers as the issue moves forward."

Gov. Rick Scott has told the Florida Chamber of Commerce he plans to cut unemployment benefits. Florida Republicans will be making more people homeless. The newly added people to Florida's homeless population will not get assistance from the state because Scott plans on eliminating the Office of Homelessness. Money for those corporate tax cuts have to come from somewhere.