Feds blasts Florida’s unemployment compensation system for denying civil rights
Source: Miami Herald
Posted on Thursday, 04.25.13
Feds blasts Floridas unemployment compensation system for denying civil rights
By Toluse Olorunnipa
Herald/Times Tallahassee Bureau
TALLAHASSEE -- The U.S. Department of Labor slammed the state of Florida for making it difficult for some unemployed people to get jobless benefits, particularly the disabled and those who speak Spanish or Creole.
Federal officials found that Florida violated the civil rights of unemployed individuals, beginning in 2011, when it required them to apply online for benefits and take an "assessment" before receiving any unemployment check.
In response, the state Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) has agreed to enter negotiations with the U.S. Labor Department (DOL) to make appropriate changes. Failing to do so could lead to Florida losing millions of dollars in federal aid for the program.
The U.S. Department of Labor is now working with the state of Florida to ensure that all persons who have limited English proficiency or have disabilities, and who are eligible for unemployment compensation, have fair and meaningful access to those benefits," a Labor Department spokesperson said.
Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/04/25/3363895/feds-blasts-floridas-unemployment.html#storylink=cpy