In this episode: Florida’s tourism industry runs on a low-wage workforce. And the state’s biggest tourism businesses, from Walt Disney World to Outback Steakhouse, fight hard to suppress pay for workers — whether that means cutting off unemployment assistance for jobseekers or litigating against local living wage laws. They’ve had help from a long line of Florida governors, from Jeb Bush to Rick Scott to Ron DeSantis.
Further reading:
Wall Street Journal: States that cut unemployment benefits saw limited impact on job growth
Tampa Bay Times: Florida ended unemployment benefits early. Did people return to work?
CNBC: Cuts to unemployment benefits didn’t spur jobs, report says
Miami New Times: Miami Beach approves raising minimum wage to $13.31
WUSF: Legal fight over Miami Beach minimum wage could have far reaching impacts
Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association: Florida’s leading business coalition celebrates court ruling against Miami Beach’s minimum wage ordinance
Florida Trend: The new Florida Supreme Court
Seeking Rents: Records show Ron DeSantis took $300,000 from Florida lobbyists
Seeking Rents: Customers took Florida's biggest power company to court. Ron DeSantis and lawmakers stepped up to help...the power company.
Contact: Garcia.JasonR@gmail.com
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How the 'Free State of Florida' works with business lobbyists to keep wages low