On day one of Phase One of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “reopening” plan for Florida, Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez (D-Miami) stated:
“The state’s economic recovery ‘plan’ looks no different than its task force composition with working families and small businesses left out while shouldering the risks of what’s to come.
“How and when Florida will begin addressing the lack of adequate testing needs to be answered as a predicate to any phase of any ‘opening.’ Testing is still nowhere near where it should be, nor widely available for workplaces around the state. Moreover, employers are not required to have employees wear protective equipment as in other states.
“Gov. DeSantis’ refusal to extend the waiver of the ‘work search’ requirement beyond May 9th means, as a condition for unemployment assistance, laid off or furloughed Floridians have to actively search for work — a perplexing proposition in hot zones where much of the service economy is still closed and employers are not required to adequately protect workers. Families who needed a bridge across this economic crisis are being cut off when they need it most.
“Florida must focus on the needs of our public health system, everyday families and small businesses, not just our state’s largest employers.”
