DeSantis Tells Unemployed Floridians To Quit Mooching Off The Government

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has had enough of unemployed Floridians not returning to the workforce of his state. The Republican governor announced during a press conference that May will be the last month that those collecting unemployment benefits without proving that they are looking for work.

DeSantis proved that now since Florida has “reopened” after the pandemic that capable residents need to get off the government dole and that there are ample opportunities for employment.

“Normally when you’re getting unemployment, the whole idea is that it’s temporary, and you need to be looking for work to be able to get off unemployment,” DeSantis said. “It was a disaster, so we suspended those job search requirements. I think it’s pretty clear now — we have an abundance of job openings.”

“We absolutely can put more people to work,” he continued. “The demand is there. Businesses want to hire more people, and I think we can go in that direction very soon.”

At the height of the pandemic, Florida’s rate of unemployment was 13.8%. From the most recent report from the state’s Department of Economic Opportunity, the rate had dropped to 4.7% in March which is well below the national average.

“I think now we’re in just a different situation, you have a surplus of jobs, particularly in the restaurant, lodging, hospitality, that people want to hire,” DeSantis said. “I mean, you see the signs all over the place. Look, that’s a good problem to have. But we also just want to make sure, like, look, if you’re really unemployed, can’t get a job, that’s one thing. But making sure that you’re doing your due diligence to look for work, and making sure those incentives align, better.”

As the Tampa Bay Times further reported:

DeSantis continued to criticize the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about COVID-19 precautions that have idled the cruise ship industry in Florida. Also, he said some restaurants are closing one day a week because they don’t have enough employees.

DeSantis somewhat dismissed the premise of a question about whether people were taking advantage of changes in the unemployment system. While Florida offers low state benefits, many unemployed people also have been eligible for federal jobless aid.

“I don’t think it’s manipulation. You know, whatever the benefits are, people are availing themselves of it. That’s not their fault,” DeSantis said.

DeSantis also announced this week that Florida will be sending $1,000 bonuses to every first responder who worked during the pandemic. “Some want to defund the police. In Florida, we’re funding them & then some … ” he tweeted.

DeSantis is a rising star in the Republican Party, and some speculate he could be the party’s presidential nominee in 2024.