TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Pete Gaynor has approved Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ application to participate in a new federal unemployment assistance program to boost benefits another $300 a week.
The grant funding will “allow Florida to provide $300 per week — on top of their regular unemployment benefit — to those unemployed due to COVID-19,” according to FEMA.
Since the application was approved, the benefits will be backdated to Aug. 1.
The Lost Wages Assistance Program was created by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Aug. 8.
LATEST NEWS FROM WFLA.COM:
More Florida Unemployment Stories
Florida’s economic opportunity chief resigns amid unemployment woes
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s director of economic opportunity resigned Monday, months after being stripped of his oversight of the state’s glitch-ridden unemployment system, which left hundreds of thousands of people waiting weeks — and sometimes months — for benefits after losing their jobs during the coronavirus outbreak.
Ken Lawson said in his resignation letter that he was leaving his post “in the spirit of turning the page and moving forward.”
Read the Full Article
Second stimulus checks: Blame game continues as $1,200 direct payments stalled
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) — On Sunday, White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows pointed the finger at House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as the reason why Americans haven’t received a second stimulus check as part of a federally funded coronavirus aid package.
“She puts forth a number, suggests that she came down, and yet she’s willing to turn down $1.3 trillion of help that goes to the American people because she would rather them have nothing than to give way on what her fantasy might be,” said Meadows.
Read the Full Article
Who qualifies for Lost Wages Assistance, and when can Florida expect it?
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — September 1 is just around the corner, which could bring a tsunami of evictions across Florida as the state’s eviction ban is set to expire.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday he was applying for the Lost Wages Assistance grant program established by the president earlier this month.
Read the Full Article
