West Palm Beach, FL – Today, twelve members of Florida’s congressional delegation joined Representative Lois Frankel (FL-21) in sending a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis urging immediate action to ensure self-employed workers and independent contractors can access unemployment benefits.

The letter states in part, “The Coronavirus Aid and Relief Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law on March 27, 2020, creates a pathway for previously ineligible self-employed workers to now receive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance as well as the $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefit. However, states must first take action to enter into an agreement with the Department of Labor to provide this assistance.”

The letter continues, “As Members of Congress we write to urge you to expeditiously enter into an agreement with the Department of Labor, and do whatever else is necessary, to ensure self-employed workers and independent contractors are able to access the unemployment benefits provided under the CARES Act.”

After the members sent the letter, the Governor’s office assured them that Florida has entered into the required agreement with the Department of Labor and is currently awaiting further guidance.

“I appreciate the progress and urge Governor DeSantis to continue to do everything possible to ensure that all workers can access these benefits, including by fixing the online application process and unresponsive website,” said Rep. Frankel.

The letter was signed by Representatives Lois Frankel (FL-21), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Charlie Crist (FL-13), Val B. Demings (FL-10), Ted Deutch (FL-22), Alcee Hastings (FL-20), Al Lawson, Jr. (FL-5), Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (FL-26), Stephanie Murphy (FL-7), Donna Shalala (FL-27), Darren Soto (FL-9), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23), and Frederica Wilson (FL-24). For the full letter, click here [frankel.house.gov].

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