Is this a break for felons in florida?
Miami Democratic Senator Dwight Bullard filed a bill (Senate Bill 356) in the Florida which may give felons the ability to find more jobs. As many know finding a job with a felony is very hard, nearly impossible in some smaller towns and cities. Many employers will not touch someone with a felony that is even 10 or more years old, let alone within the past year. This leaves many out in the cold when it comes to jobs. That may change for some felons seeking jobs in the state of Florida.
Senator Dwight Bullard has filed a bill in which would give any and all employers within the state of Florida a one thousand dollar tax credit, thats right a credit and not a deduction. This may very well encourage small as well as larger companies to hire low risk felons.
This may sound like a great idea since there are many Florida residents seeking employment that have a felony conviction but we wonder if it will really make any difference. Many larger companies insurance policies prohibit them from hiring felons. It is seen as a risk to the business.
Bullard has made the comment that the unemployment rates among convicted felons to be “atrocious”. We have found after a little research that his comments were right on the money.
In 2008 a study was conducted and found that at least 80% of employers would hire “former welfare recipients, workers with little recent work experience or lengthy unemployment, and other stigmatizing characteristics” but only 40% would consider hiring a convicted felon. Even less employers would consider a felon for a job that consisted of customer service or for positions that had little employee supervision.
Many felons hope to see the passage of the bill as it is only in committee at this point and has a long way to go. If you are interested in showing support for this bill we suggest that you contact his district office at; 10720 Caribbean Boulevard Suite 435 Cutler Bay, FL 33189 (305) 234-2208 or by fax at (305) 234-2210.
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