TAMPA, Fla — Thousands of workers laid off due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic are in anguish not just over losing their jobs, but also over their inability to access online assistance through the state’s unemployment website and phone lines.
It’s a statewide problem that officials were warned about long before the coronavirus outbreak.
“It's something that needs attention. It's been broken for a while,” said Logan Joseph. Joseph was recently laid off from his job as a server at Datz in Tampa and has been trying unsuccessfully to apply for unemployment assistance through the state. He said he has identified multiple failures through the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity unemployment application portal.
"I want them to know that the system is antiquated...And I'm sadly confident that there will probably be other ramifications,” Logan said. “When people don't have access to money, crime increases…It’s definitely going to affect us as soon as these rent payments are due, and people have no other option."
According to a report from the Florida Auditor General, the system has been riddled with problems and the governor was warned last year. The audit showed the state was aware the unemployment assistance website had serious problems, but it’s unclear if which issues, if any, have been fixed.
"I received over 10 new emails from people who can't get to the website...very small, silly things that are holding people back from accessing benefits, which could lead them to being evicted tomorrow,” said State Rep. Anna Eskamani, who represents District 47 in Orlando.
The state has already hired contractors to work on solutions and Gov. Ron DeSantis said he hopes the issues will be resolved soon.
"It's obviously a priority. I know they're working very hard on it,” he said. “I'm going to get a report on it sometime today, but basically, my direction has been don't spare any expense, hire who we need to hire in order to be able to get this done."
To read the full audit that outlines problems with the CONNECT system, click here.
Emerald Morrow is a reporter with 10News WTSP. Like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter. You can also email her at emorrow@wtsp.com.
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