COVID-19 and Community: State Rep. Jennifer Webb

You didn’t lose your job. You didn’t quit your job. You were asked to stay home. You did your part to step up, stay in and flatten that curve, and together we did it! We are past the (first) peak in Florida. So why aren’t Floridians collectively celebrating this success?

Because our families, entrepreneurs and local businesses are beyond broke and outraged because government has failed to uphold its end of the bargain. The deal was simple: Floridians would shelter in place and the state would then distribute unemployment to workers so they could at least keep food on the table.

The state, however, has failed to keep its promise to you. As of April 25, 77.9% of Floridians had not received a cent from the state – and let’s be clear, the state portion of unemployment is NOT revenue from the government. This is money from Florida employers redistributed back to Florida workers. Employers are rightly angry as well.

Me, I am infuriated and horrified. Infuriated because my constituents are suffering through no fault of their own. Horrified because, as an elected state representative, I am part of that government. I remain a steadfast advocate and a fierce fighter for Florida’s families, but the legislature has been sidelined; it has been four weeks since the executive office has held a call with members of the legislature.

We are stronger as a body than we are individually, so I have called on our members to speak with one voice in conversations with the executive branch. We need to:

1. Give the people of Florida a date that they can expect to receive their first unemployment check and make it happen. They deserve this simple notice at least. Even if it is weeks away, this information will allow families to budget and plan.

2. Increase transparency and clarity regarding the process for fixing systems/processes and for distributing state and federal funds, and

3. Do the right thing by retroactively paying unemployment to the date the applicants first became unemployed.

The governor first mentioned this weeks ago and continues to speak about it. Floridians are tired of promises; we need action. This can be done by executive order.

Furthermore, I believe that we legislators should reconvene for a special session. Not only must we work to ensure that the broken unemployment system is fixed, but we need to work together to make certain our budgetary priorities are responsive to this health and economic crisis. The budget must now reflect the reduced revenue anticipated for the coming fiscal year.

During times of uncertainty, transparency and accuracy are especially important. Convening a special session would ensure that decisions are made in the sunshine and with the added attention that a special session garners.

In response to an outpour of concern, the governor has made some important changes. These changes seem to be moving us two steps forward and one step back. He issued an executive order to waive both the job search requirement and, now, the requirement to reassert every two weeks that a claimant is still unemployed.

While this makes sense within the state, it has created problems for folks waiting on the $600 additional payment from the federal government. This payment is contingent upon individuals following a state’s process to receive unemployment that was in place before the additional $600 became available.

The governor also appointed Secretary Jonathan Satter to oversee the changes needed to make the unemployment system function again. Secretary Satter oversees the Department of Management Services, which is basically the state’s IT and data management folks. Early indications show that Secretary Satter seems to be making wise workflow decisions. The unemployment system is revving up (fingers crossed).

According to their dashboard, created to increase transparency, the percentage of claimants receiving a check was up to 25.4% as of April 25. I would not have believed these numbers had I not had word from my first constituent that he not only received his first $275 deposit from the state, but also that he received a $600 check from the federal government.

Both the governor and Secretary Satter indicated an important announcement will be coming regarding retroactivity of unemployment benefits. As of today, no such announcement has been made. And, when it comes to giving folks a date by which we can expect the majority of unemployment payments to reach laid-off workers, neither the governor nor secretary will say – and there has been no indication that we are closer to calling a special session.

I didn’t run for public office to sit on the sidelines when my constituents need me most. I ran to solve every day problems. I ran to make life just a little better for everyday Floridians year after year. My goal was to create a Florida that works better for all of our families and local businesses. Many of my colleagues feel the same.

Anyone who has worked with me knows that I work very hard to solve the day-to-day problems that affect my district. I focus on the nitty gritty issues that unite my constituents. I’ve earned friends and respect from across the political spectrum – not because we agree on all issues – but because I am earnest in my endeavors and transparent in my effort.

In this way I am very much a daughter of my district. Where the state has failed and flailed, our community, constituents, cities and counties have come together. I am so proud of us.

Pinellas County Schools and our community nonprofits are busy feeding folks and helping them apply for SNAP, WIC and other programs. Many restaurants are handing out food to those who are hungry, and neighbors are sharing groceries and running errands for those unable to leave their home. Now is the time to either give or receive assistance. There are so many ways to receive (and give) help.

If you need to be connected to resources, call 2-1-1. It is important that everyone know that the county is expanding a program to help families and small businesses. This program will pay your bills for you if you or your small business cannot afford to pay them, up to a certain amount of money. There is no income limitation on this program at this time because so many are struggling financially.

For a list of more resources in our district, unemployment application assistance, or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office.

Rep. Jennifer Webb is a micro-entrepreneur who specializes in business strategy and development. She is the first openly LGBTQ woman elected to higher office in the state of Florida. She and her spouse Cynthia live with their bird Bandit in Gulfport.

Rep. Webb represents District 69, which includes 12 cities throughout Gulfport, Pinellas Park, St. Pete Beach, St. Petersburg and more. To contact her district office, located at 6798 Crosswinds Dr. N. in St. Petersburg, call 727-341-7385. A Freshman Democrat, she is also up for re-election Nov. 3, 2020. For more information about her campaign, visit ElectJenniferWebb.com.