Governor Rick Scott today signed HB 359, which advances the Governor’s proposal to strictly prohibit the State of Florida, including all state agencies, from investing in any company that is doing business with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive government. Read more HERE.
Maduro Regime
Gov. Scott Applauds Florida Legislature’s Unanimous Passage of Bill to Hold Maduro Regime Accountable
Governor Rick Scott today issued the following statement following the Florida Senate unanimously voting in support of HB 359. HB 359 was also passed unanimously in the Florida House of Representatives in January and advances Governor Scott’s proposal to strictly prohibit the State of Florida, including all state agencies, from investing in any company that is doing business with Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro’s oppressive government. See Governor Scott’s announcement of this proposal HERE.
Governor Scott said, “With the passage of this landmark legislation, Florida continues its commitment to the people of Venezuela who are fighting for freedom and democracy. This legislation will prohibit all state agencies from investing in the Venezuelan government and puts even more financial pressure on the Maduro regime by stopping any future state investment with them. I want to thank Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran, as well as sponsors Senator Rene Garcia and Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nunez, for their great work on this important bill. Together, we will continue to shine a light on the unacceptable political tyranny and violence that is inflicted by Maduro and his ruthless thugs. We need to do everything we can to help stop these injustices and Florida stands with the people of Venezuela.”
Senator Rene Garcia said, “It was an honor to sponsor this important piece of legislation. HB 359 shows that Florida continues to stand strong against the brutal Maduro regime and any business that supports their oppressive leadership. We will continue fighting for human rights and democracy for our friends in Venezuela.”
Florida House Speaker Pro Tempore Jeanette Nunez said, “This legislation strengthens Florida’s opposition to Maduro’s brutal and oppressive regime. I want to thank Governor Scott on his leadership and commitment to the Venezuelan people. Together, we will keep fighting to bring democracy to the people of Venezuela.”
Gov. Scott Applauds New Sanctions Against Maduro Regime
Governor Rick Scott today applauded the work of the Trump Administration on the announcement of new sanctions against ten Maduro government officials. Earlier this year, the SBA unanimously approved Governor Scott’s proposed resolution to prohibit the State of Florida from investments to benefit the Maduro regime. Currently, the Governor’s proposal to further this state policy has been filed in the Florida Legislature.
Governor Scott said, “For far too long, Nicolas Maduro has put his desire to stay in power above the needs of his people. I am glad that the Trump Administration has taken further action to hold this dictator and his regime accountable. As Maduro continues to brutally oppress the people of Venezuela, I will continue to do everything I can to help bring freedom and democracy to the millions of Venezuelans suffering at the hands of this ruthless dictator.
“In Florida, we’ve been clear that we stand in solidarity with the people of Venezuela who are struggling for their freedom. We have taken action to prohibit the state from making investments that benefit the Maduro regime, and we are working to make our recent action even stronger. We work relentlessly to shine a light on Maduro’s crimes against his people and the need for freedom and democracy in Venezuela. Today, we renew our call for Maduro to step down and completely release all political prisoners now.”
ICYMI: WFTV: Florida Takes Action to Ensure SBA Investments Won’t Benefit Maduro Regime
“Florida Takes Action to Ensure SBA Investments Won’t Benefit Maduro Regime”
WFTV-ORD (ABC) – Orlando, FL
August 16, 2017
To view the clip, click HERE.
SBA Trustees Unanimously Approve Gov. Scott’s Proposal Prohibiting Business with Maduro Regime
The Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) today unanimously approved Governor Scott’s proposal to prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime which continues to brutally oppress the people of Venezuela. Governor Scott has continually called for freedom and democracy in Venezuela, the liberation of all political prisoners and the end of the Maduro regime. Today’s decision by the Trustees occurred during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet following the Governor’s announcement of this proposal last month.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud today to have the unanimous support of the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration in prohibiting Florida from doing business with those who support the evil dictatorship of Nicolas Maduro. I have heard firsthand from so many whose families have been hurt by the brutalities perpetrated by Maduro and his gang of thugs. As Maduro continues to totally disregard the will of the people and empower his dictatorship through his assembly, Florida stands firmly with the Venezuelan people in demanding absolute freedom and democracy now. Let me be clear, the policy we enacted today is a huge step in the right direction and ensures that SBA investments won’t benefit the Maduro regime.
“We must continue to do everything we can to support freedom and democracy in Venezuela and Latin America and I look forward to working with the Florida Legislature during the next legislative session to strengthen Florida’s opposition to Maduro’s oppression.”
Governor Scott’s proposal that was today unanimously approved by the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration prohibits the SBA from doing business with Venezuela in the following ways:
- The SBA is prohibited from investing in any securities issued by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA is prohibited from investing in any company that is majority owned by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA is completely prohibited from participating in any vote or resolution that advocates or supports the Maduro regime.
- The SBA is completely prohibited from doing business with any financial institution or U.S. company which directly, or through a subsidiary, and in violation of federal law, makes any loan, extends credit of any kind or character, advances funds in any manner, or purchases or trades any goods or services in or with the Government of Venezuela.
Gov. Scott: New Proposal Will Prohibit Florida from Doing Business with Maduro Regime
Florida Stands with the Venezuelan People Against
Upcoming Maduro Controlled Constituent Assembly
Governor Rick Scott released details regarding his proposal to the Trustees of the Florida State Board of Administration (SBA) that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. The Governor reiterated that he stands against Nicolas Maduro’s upcoming plans to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further empower his dictatorship through a Constituent Assembly on July 30th.
Governor Scott said, “The atrocities happening at the hands of the brutal and oppressive Maduro regime are unspeakable. I have heard firsthand from Floridians about the need for change in Venezuela. Prohibiting the Florida State Board of Administration from making investments that support Nicolas Maduro is a big step in the right direction, and we must continue to find ways to bring freedom and democracy to Venezuela. I am encouraged by the Trump administration’s sanctions against the Maduro regime this week. President Trump’s swift actions on this issue are welcomed and I look forward to working with our federal and state partners to support democracy in Venezuela.
“Nicolas Maduro’s attempt to rewrite Venezuela’s constitution and take power away from his citizens is reprehensible. This brash attempt, which completely disregards the will of the people, will not be tolerated. Floridians stand with our fellow Americans for freedom and democracy in Venezuela and all Latin America.
“I look forward to working with the SBA on this important proposal and I will work with the Florida Legislature during the next legislative session to take more action against Maduro and his gang of thugs.”
Governor Scott’s proposal that will be considered by the trustees of the State Board of Administration on August 16th prohibits the SBA from doing business with Venezuela in the following ways:
- The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any securities issued by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA will be prohibited from investing in any company that is majority owned by the Government of Venezuela.
- The SBA will be completely prohibited from participating in any vote or resolution that advocates or supports the Maduro regime.
- The SBA will be completely prohibited from doing business with any financial institution or U.S. company which directly, or through a subsidiary, and in violation of federal law, makes any loan, extends credit of any kind or character, advances funds in any manner, or purchases or trades any goods or services in or with the Government of Venezuela.
Floridians Proudly Stand Beside Venezuelans in Voicing Opposition to the Brutal Maduro Regime
Governor Rick Scott today applauded the opportunity for Venezuelans to make their opposition against the Maduro Regime known through a straw poll this weekend. The straw poll is being hosted for Venezuelan citizens across the globe in response to efforts by the Maduro regime to rewrite the Venezuelan constitution to further support his own brutal dictatorship.
Governor Scott said, “This Sunday, the Venezuelan people have an opportunity to make their voices heard and send a powerful message of unity against Maduro and his gang of thugs. The State of Florida is fully committed to proudly standing side-by-side with the people of Venezuela who are bravely fighting for freedom and democracy. Maduro’s consistent rejection of democratic principles in favor of oppression and violence cannot be tolerated. That is why, in August, I will propose that the State of Florida be prohibited from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro dictatorship. Floridians will continue to rally together with the Venezuelan people to support their right to freedom.”
Gov. Scott: We Must Not Do Any Business with the Maduro Regime
Governor Scott today announced he will introduce an agenda item to bring before the Trustees of the State Board of Administration in August that would prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the Maduro regime. More details of the Governor’s proposal will be made available prior to the August 16, 2017 Cabinet Meeting.
Governor Rick Scott said, “During the next meeting of the Florida Cabinet in August, I will bring forward a proposal that will prohibit the State of Florida from doing business with any organization that supports the oppressive Maduro dictatorship. Floridians stand with the people of Venezuela as they fight for their freedom, and as a state, we must not provide any support for Maduro and his thugs.
“On Venezuela Independence Day, we stand in solidarity with the opposition to the brutal Maduro regime, whose crimes against his own people continue daily. In fact, just today, Maduro’s henchmen violently disrupted a meeting of the opposition controlled National Assembly. This is unacceptable behavior that Florida will not tolerate.”
