Ron DeSantis admits GOP sabotaged unemployment with 'pointless roadblocks' so fewer people...

[Nevilledog]

Ron DeSantis admits GOP sabotaged unemployment with ‘pointless roadblocks’ so fewer people would sign up

https://www.rawstory.com/2020/08/ron-desantis-admits-gop-sabotaged-unemployment-with-pointless-roadblocks-so-fewer-people-would-sign-up/


In an interview with CBS4 Miami’s Jim DeFede, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) admitted that Florida Republicans, led by his predecessor, deliberately crippled the state’s unemployment system so that fewer out-of-work people would apply for benefits.

“Do you believe that the system was in part put together the way it was to discourage people from being able to collect unemployment?” asked DeFede.

“I think that was the animating philosophy,” said DeSantis. “I mean having studied how it was internally constructed, I think the goal was for whoever designed, it was, ‘Let’s put as many kind of pointless roadblocks along the way, so people just say, oh, the hell with it, I’m not going to do that.’ And, you know, for me, let’s decide on what the benefit is and let’s get it out as efficiently as possible. You know, we shouldn’t necessarily do these roadblocks to do it. So we have cleared a lot of those.”

When DeFede pointed out to him the current system was designed by former Gov. Rick Scott, now a senator and ally of DeSantis, he replied, “I’m not sure if it was his, but I think definitely in terms of how it was internally constructed, you know. It was definitely done in a way to lead to the least number of claims being paid out.”

*snip*

[SharonClark]

1. Why would he admit that and why now?

Can any politically savvy DUers explain that to me?

[Sanity Claws]

5. Not a savvy DUer but

he said it because he was trying to deflect blame from himself. At this point, it was undeniably clear that FL's unemployment insurance system was a complete and utter mess.

[csziggy]

2. GOPers never mind throwing each other under the bus!

I'm sort of surprised that he did not blame Jeb Bush - after all, now that the Bush family has made it clear they will not support Dolt45 on anything, any Bush is fair game.

[malaise]

3. Isn't that the Con's great governor - this one and the one before

https://www.democraticunderground.com/100213857247

[SWBTATTReg]

4. He and his scumbag enablers are doing this to their own Florida residents.

How despicable can a governor be to his own people? Just how far will Florida residents let these monsters dictate such brutal treatment of those that need help and aid, in difficult times? Where are the church people, who are supposedly full of compassion and kindness and wish to help those in need?

[Baked Potato]

6. Some, if not many of those Floridians being slow-paid or denied, or have given up,

will still support those Republicans. They will, because deep inside they are remembering how they were taught that to receive help is bad and against bible teachings. They blame themselves for having to ask for help and they welcome their paternal overlord denying them their unearned money. DeSantis, and his ilk know this tact and use it well.

[Baitball Blogger]

7. And I've lived here long enough to know that there was some backdoor to access.

Networks in Florida favor cronyism and patronage. Trust me when I say, that there was at least one fasttracked phone number or other means to cut through the obstruction.

[gratuitous]

8. But he's admitted now, so everything's okay

Sure, you still don't have a check for those benefits, but the governor has manfully admitted that the system was engineered to screw you, so we're all good now, right? Is he going to do anything about it? What can you do? It's the government, and Republicans have worked their collective ass off for the last 40 years to train citizens that government (especially as run by Republicans) isn't supposed to work. Nothing can be done, sad to say. But DeSantis acknowledged there's a problem. Isn't that enough? It should be!