CAPE CORAL, Fla -- State lawmakers agree that Florida's unemployment system has failed many, including those who say they're stuck waiting to be verified.
Some Floridians say they've been found eligible, but then reverted back to pending by the system.
It's issues like this sparking several state leaders to get involved and push the DEO again for transparency.
The DEO has said things have picked up and they’ve paid thousands their money.
But many now say they're stuck waiting to be verified.
One man who applied in mid-March 19 sent our sister station in Tampa screenshots of his status in CONNECT. It shows that more than month later he was found eligible, but then reverted back to pending when the system noted he didn’t enter in certain wages. That's despite the fact that he said he did and has the documents to prove his wages were entered in. He fears the system lost his information.
It's situations like this that state leaders are bringing straight to the DEO's attention.
“How many others are in the same situation? There’s not enough transparency there,” said Democratic State Senator Janet Cruz, who represents parts of Hillsborough County.
Cruz said when she asked the DEO for an explanation, they responded saying only that they received the inquiry and would take a look. She also said she's found another issue she's looking into.
“If you filed before March 29 -- which many people did -- they lose a week. But if you filed after March 29, then you don’t lose a week and I just don’t think that’s fair,” said Cruz.
She's sent a letter pushing for answers on this situation to Secretary Satter and the governor.
