Sen. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford
Despite opposition from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida senators plowed ahead Thursday with a proposal to increase state unemployment benefits, which are among the lowest in the nation.
The Senate voted 40-0 to approve a bill (SB 1906) that would increase maximum weekly payments from $275 to $375 and add more weeks in which benefits would be available. The vote came days after DeSantis voiced opposition and the House rejected efforts to boost benefits.
“This is a good moment for us,” Senate Minority Leader Gary Farmer, D-Lighthouse Point, said. “We ve all spent many, many hours and days fielding those calls from our constituents who are struggling with the unemployment system. And I want to thank our partners here in the Senate for hearing the cries of our constituents and having the courage - and President (Wilton)Simpson and his leadership team for sticking to their guns and doing an increase of benefits.”
Lawmakers OK moment of silence in school bill
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Florida lawmakers pass moment of silence
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College COVID-19 legal protections approved
Ryan Dailey
TALLAHASSEE The Florida House on Wednesday passed a wide-ranging higher education bill that, in part, would protect colleges and universities from coronavirus-related lawsuits.
Sponsor Jackie Toledo, R-Tampa, said the bill (HB 1261), passed in a 92-22 vote, “prioritizes students and families.” Some House Democrats who opposed the bill, however, expressed concerns about offering the legal protections.
Under the proposal, public and private colleges and universities would be shielded from lawsuits stemming from campuses being shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and students being forced to learn online.
The state university system s Board of Governors and the State Board of Education, the governing bodies that oversee higher education, also would be protected from lawsuits under the measure.