Florida House Democratic members issued the following statements in response to Governor DeSantis signing the Special Session bills:
“Yesterday, I asked about the true intent of this special session during debate. I questioned whether it was truly about the safety of Floridians or more political fodder. It turns out me and many of my Democratic colleagues have been right all along that it was nothing more than a political stunt. This is made even more apparent with the Governor signing special session bills in a town with the same moniker that many obstructionists use to disrespect President Biden. We wasted hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, not to aid Floridians who are facing homelessness due to this affordable housing crisis, not to address the shortage of teachers and bus drivers in our schools, not to address a broken unemployment system but to kick off DeSantis’ unofficial bid for president,” Representative Angie Nixon (D- Jacksonville)
“We could have worked together. We could have had a unified voice that protects individuals and public health by believing in science and recognizing the historic role that vaccines have played in keeping communities safe. Instead, we fed into a false narrative and passed legislation under a false pretext that satisfied a vocal minority and will ultimately jeopardize our small businesses, our health and safety, and the ability to respond rationally during any future health care emergency. Well done, Governor,” Representative Kelly Skidmore (D- Boca Raton)
“Businesses are trying to survive during the ongoing pandemic and the Governor, with the support of the Republican Legislature, is hampering their operations. The bills from the Special Session are anti-business and engaged legislators as extras in the Governor’s sideshow to boost his profile as he hopes to become President,” Representative Geraldine Thompson (D- Windermere)
“The slate of bills the Governor signed today represent a serious threat to the health and well-being of Floridians. We should not obstruct employers from implementing COVID-19 safeguards that protect employees and customers alike. This is an onerous regulation on our small businesses that not only puts Floridians’ health in danger, but will hinder our economic recovery,” Representative Susan Valdés (D- Tampa)
“It is a sad day for Florida today. These bills will not protect the people of Florida but rather make them less safe. Businesses have stated they don’t want these bills either. There are real issues impacting Floridians and instead of addressing any of those issues, such as the affordable housing crisis, we spent millions of taxpayer dollars on a politically motivated special session in the midst of a pandemic,” Representative Marie Woodson (D- Hollywood)
