Jun. 17, 2008
Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation news release

Governor Charlie Crist today signed Senate Bill 1026, creating a debit card payment system for those receiving unemployment compensation benefits.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Mike Fasano (R-11) and Representative Chris Dorworth (R-34), provides the Agency for Workforce Innovation the authority to develop a debit card system to pay unemployment compensation benefits to claimants. In addition, the debit card payment system allows the Agency to reduce administrative costs and will increase the speed with which claimants receive their benefits. With the signing of this bill, customers will now have the option of electing payment of benefits by debit card or the already existing Electronic Fund Transfer method.

"The debit card is a win-win for everyone," said Monesia T. Brown, Director of the Agency for Workforce Innovation. "Not only will it save nearly $300,000 per year, unemployment compensation recipients will have less wait time and be able to better provide for their families. I commend Senator Fasano and Representative Dorworth for sponsoring this important legislation."

"This legislation will improve customer service through technology and save the state money at the same time. In these tough economic times, this debit card system is exactly the type of creative solution our government should be looking to employ," said Senator Fasano.

"I am proud to sponsor legislation that will allow the state to save money and at the same time improve customer service for claimants," added Representative Dorworth.

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