The effects of the pandemic can still be felt today. It has resulted in many people being affected physically, emotionally, and financially. 

The truth is, though, that even in the absence of the pandemic, the nation's economy hasn't been quite what it used to be. To start with, the steadily increasing population, coupled with factors such as the gradually declining economy, translated to a sharp climb in the rate of unemployment all over the nation.

Yet, even though this situation is widespread throughout America, some places feel this more than others. In places such as Florida, the economic situation has become significantly more critical. 

The cost of living in Florida is on par with the average in the United States, but that still doesn't eliminate a lot of pending problems. For one, housing is still a big concern, with the cost of housing for the average home in Florida as of 2019 rising to $317,273. 

Under normal circumstances, this may not have been much of an issue. But when you put into consideration the extent to which the pandemic and other factors have changed the economic terrain of the state, one quickly realizes the magnitude of the problem at hand. 

Many people have, in one way or another, been a casualty of the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the state's citizens lost their jobs for several reasons like downsizing or the complete closure of their departments. 

No job essentially means no livelihood. By extension, this means that in the absence of an alternative source of income, many people cannot feed themselves and support their families. Florida is currently running one of the lowest unemployment benefit programs in the entire country. 

Similarly, the standards and requirements that the state sets for qualifying for these benefits are inordinately high. The resulting effect of all this is that people without jobs and in desperate need of this support cannot sustain themselves. 

With each passing day, these people are losing their homes and are incapable of feeding themselves. This isn't right. Florida has enough resources to cater to the needs of these people. What the state lacks is the will to follow through on this. 

In the best interest of the people out there suffering with each passing minute, it is high time the state reevaluates its stance on the operating procedure for its unemployment benefit scheme. 

What good are unemployment benefits if they don't benefit the unemployed? If the state truly holds the best interests of its citizens at heart, then a rapid restructuring is needed here.