Commissioner Murman quoted in this FOX 13 News report:
Former county attorney files for unemployment
Updated: Friday, 22 Jul 2011, 10:18 PM EDT
Published : Friday, 22 Jul 2011, 10:17 PM EDT
By Kristin Wright, FOX 13 News
TAMPA – Renee Lee’s contract as Hillsborough County Attorney was terminated in June. Lee walked away with a huge severance package adding up to $156,000.
Despite the big payout, Renee Lee has filed for unemployment benefits. County Human Resources Officials say they received notice from the state. Commissioner Sandy Murman questions Lee’s decision.
“My first reaction is, ‘gimme a break’,” Murman said.
We visited Lee’s beautiful home in Riverview twice, hoping to speak with her about her need for unemployment benefits, in light of her generous severance deal. The first time, no one came to the door. The next day, a woman said Lee wasn’t home. County residents and the unemployed are somewhat taken aback.
“I believe it’s a little bit irresponsible because $160,000 should go a long way. You should be able to divvy up your money and live off of that for several years,” said Mark Pastrana of Tampa.
“Many people out here are trying to get unemployment and can’t get unemployment, but she’s trying to get it?” Linda Limehouse told FOX 13. “She don’t need it, if she’s getting all that.”
Elvis Negron has no problem with Lee filing for unemployment.
“I think it’s the right thing to do. For everybody,” he said. “Every citizen should have that right.”
Negron is right: legally, Lee can file for unemployment compensation just like anyone else. In general, severance pay doesn’t affect eligibility or the total amount of benefits received.
Starting in August, if a severance payment during a particular week is equal to or greater than the unemployment benefit for that same week, the claimant is ineligible for unemployment that week.
Severance pay will still not affect the total amount of unemployment benefits received.
“We’re all on tough times right now, so when you’re asking for more government dollars it’s difficult to understand when somebody’s already gotten a very fair package,” Murman said.
Claimants can received up to $275 a week. There’s no word on whether Lee’s application has been approved.
