A diverse group of concerned Floridian’s gathered outside of Representative Dan Webster’s office Thursday, to press for an extension of unemployment insurance benefits. If Congress fails to pass an extension over 130,000 Floridians will see their benefits expire on December 31st.
Representatives from the AFL-CIO, along with Orlando City Commissioner Robert Stuart, Florida Democratic Hispanic Caucus President Jose Fernandez, Apostle, V.W. Jones, Sr., as well as many unemployed Floridians, held a rally in front of Webster’s office.
According to statistics released by the AFL-CIO, almost 17 percent of African-Americans are unemployed and one in 268 Florida homes are in foreclosure. That information alone should be enough for Webster to rethink his position on not broadening unemployment benefits for those who still can’t find a job. President of the Florida AFL-CIO, Mike Williams, said that for every job opening there are five job seekers in Florida.
While some members of Congress feel that extending benefits to those who are still jobless is a crutch, those who receive them have a different outlook. The average benefit check for most who receive benefits is a little under $300 a week, which is just enough to pay for groceries, gas, and maybe a few other expenses for an average size family.
Included in the group of demonstrators was Krist Cooper, a former member of the unemployed who recently graduated to the underemployed. Ms. Cooper was hired as a seasonal worker for a local company that should give her steady checks for the next month or so. She’s hopeful that this job will lead to something full-time, but has more hope than faith.
She states that she participated in Thursday’s event to fight for the cause of other unemployed workers who need the help, just as much as she did.
“It’s too late for me. My unemployment benefits were exhausted during the summer but there are a lot of other people out there that need it,” said Cooper. “I know what hardships I’m going through and I would like it if others didn’t have to.”
While fighting for Thursday’s cause was just and rewarding, Ms. Cooper states that her experience today was uplifting.
“No matter how bad I have it as a single person, I’m pretty lucky for my position.”
For the thousands of Floridians who stand to lose their benefits, continue to write, call and e-mail your Congressman or Congresswoman and ask them to extend federal unemployment insurance.
-JH
