Can Florida afford to pay part of Trump’s proposed federal unemployment benefits?

President Donald Trump has taken executive action aimed at helping those who are struggling. He announced $400 in weekly federal unemployment payments to Americans who are out of work. That’s $200 less than people were previously receiving, and states will be responsible for paying part of that.

Nothing is set in stone, but one expert WINK News spoke with said Trump’s proposal is “unanswerable.”

Trump’s action presents two big problems. One, it would require states to build another new system to distribute the money, and two, the president wants states to pay for a quarter of the funding rather than all of it coming from the federal government.

Peter Bergerson, professor of political science and public administration at Florida Gulf Coast University, said the state of Florida probably can’t afford it.

“The budget already is very tight, and subsequently I think it would put a significant strain on the services that Florida is providing right now to its citizens,” Bergerson said.

Bergerson explained that on top of those roadblocks are some “serious constitutional issues” with revenue and appropriations. Awarding the extra cash is something that Congress has to approve and going over their heads presents a challenge.

Statement from Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office on the president’s executive actions:

“The State is reviewing the President’s executive order and guidance from the federal government detailing the options with the program. Florida’s revenue was below estimate by $1.9 billion for the fiscal year ending on June 30. The Revenue Estimating Conference is convening soon to revise projections for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, and it is too early at this time to determine what those impacts to revenue will be.”