Virginia Republicans have been facing statewide ridicule over blocking hundreds of millions of dollars in extra federal stimulus money.

Now Florida Republicans, already looking foolish over their inability to pass a budget, have decided to follow their Virginia colleagues off the cliff:

Days from the end of the legislative session, Florida lawmakers have refused to move a bill to expand unemployment eligibility in order to accept $444 million in federal stimulus aid.

As in Virginia, Florida Democrats quickly blasted the move by legislative Republicans. Their stance is so inexplicable, that even GOP Gov. Charlie Crist has asked them to reconsider:

“I think taking it is important,” Mr. Crist said. “I know the people need it, especially those who may be facing unemployment. I wish it would be reviewed again.

Without the extra stimulus money, Florida’s unemployment system will be in crisis – just like Virginia’s. But in Florida, Republican obstruction is especially outrageous because of who might have benefited from program changes needed to secure the extra money:

The state’s unemployment trust fund is expected to run out of money in August. State officials plan to ask for a federal loan for the fund, and the Legislature is moving ahead with a bill that would increase unemployment taxes on businesses.

Lawmakers are expected to pass a measure that would allow them to use $700 million in stimulus money to extend unemployment benefits for the rest of the year to 250,000 people whose benefits would otherwise expire. But they have been unwilling to make more changes, like offering benefits to those who left work because of domestic violence or the relocation of a spouse.

In other words, Florida Republicans are sabotaging their state’s economy, hitting businesses with a massive new tax hike, and refusing to help domestic violence survivors escape abusive relationships – all just to spite a Democratic president.

Floridians deserve better, but they won’t get it with Republicans in charge.