Florida's jobs agency gives checks to departing employees

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – Florida’s job recruiting agency is paying nearly $500,000 to employees who are leaving amid a major shakeup pushed by Gov. Rick Scott.

Records requested by The Associated Press show that 10 departing employees at Enterprise Florida are being given severance payments – as well as payouts for unused leave. The total comes to more than $430,000.

Florida taxpayers are picking up the majority of the cost. But employees at Enterprise Florida aren’t considered state workers. Rank-and-file state workers are not allowed to receive severance payments.

Scott and the Enterprise Florida board agreed earlier this month to cut expenses and eliminate jobs. They’re shuttering offices and cancelling contracts.

Scott pushed to reduce spending after the Legislature rejected his request for a $250 million fund that could be used to entice companies to the state.

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