Florida AFL-CIO · United Labor Lobby

Legislative alert!

ci135 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 · 850-224-6926 · FAX 850-224-2266 · www.flaflcio

135 S. Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32301 · 850-224-6926 · FAX 850-224-2266 · www.flaflcio.org

VICTORY!

THE FLORIDA AFL-CIO AND UNITED LABOR LOBBY SCORE A MAJOR WIN IN THE FIGHT TO REFORM FLORIDA'S UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE SYSTEM.

During last year's special session the Florida AFL-CIO worked to have an economic stimulus package introduced that provided real relief for Florida's families affected by the massive job layoffs following the September 11^th attacks.  This same package was reintroduced this session.  One of the major provisions of this economic stimulus legislation was the implementation of an "alternate base" period for the calculation of unemployment compensation eligibility.  The current system ignores significant portions of an employees work history keeping thousands of workers from getting the unemployment benefits they deserve.  Today on the floor of the Florida Senate Senator Debbie Wasserman Schultz offered an amendment to the budget implementing bill that puts the alternate base language in state law for the next year.  Senator Wasserman Schultz had introduced a bill that made these changes but despite her tireless efforts and early successes the bill had been bottled up in committee.  Thanks to her efforts and those of the ULL team the amendment carried with A unanimous vote!  The strength of this vote greatly improves our chances of getting this measure passed in the House during the budget conference process.

The Florida AFL-CIO has been working to implement alternate base language for over 8 years and this is closest we have come to passing this critical reform!

This change in the unemployment insurance system will directly benefit thousands of workers and their families by giving them access to the unemployment benefits they deserve.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO SENATOR WASSERMAN SCHULTZ FOR HELP ON THIS IMPORTANT ISSUE.

CONTACT HER OFFICE AND LET HER KNOW THAT WORKING FAMILIES NOTICE WHEN STATE LEADERS ACT IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS.

(850) 487-5103