TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) published an independent study of the Reemployment Assistance system which provides recommendations to improve the delivery of benefits to eligible claimants and proposes a roadmap for the implementation of an integrated modular cloud-based system. In addition, the Department has proposed creating the Office of Economic Accountability and Transparency and the Reemployment Assistance Modernization Strategic Planning Office to drive continuous modernization efforts.

The proposed legislation will be sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Aaron Bean (R-Fernandina Beach) and Representative Chip LaMarca (R- Lighthouse Point) to expand and provide leadership for the Department’s priority issues that require integration of policy, management, and critical objectives from stakeholders. 

“This partnership with the Department of Economic Opportunity is vital in ensuring accountability with the state’s Reemployment Assistance program,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Aaron Bean. “Floridians are frustrated with the current system, and I am proud to be taking the steps necessary to improve its management and efficiency by providing the Department with these additional resources.”

"The last year has been incredibly difficult for families across our state. Losing loved ones and being out of work has put a tremendous burden on all of our communities. I’m proud to sponsor legislation that will help families get the reemployment benefits they need more efficiently. I vowed to take on this issue and revise the way Florida’s system operates and I look forward to making this a reality with Gov. Ron DeSantis and his team at DEO,” said Representative Chip LaMarca.

“Governor DeSantis has tasked me with ensuring the Department provides accountability and transparency with expenditures and policies involving the use of federal and state taxpayer dollars,” said Dane Eagle Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “Creating the Office of Economic Accountability and Transparency to oversee the Department’s key objectives, while implementing a modernized Reemployment Assistance system, will help solve the complex economic challenges facing the state and Floridians.” 

A copy of the report can be found here

For more information about the SB 1948, click here. For more information about the HB 1463, click here.

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

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