Today, Gov. Rick Scott expressed his concern that, if Florida ports are to shut down due to possible strike action, hundreds of thousands of families would be affected. And while true, Florida House Democratic Caucus Leader Perry Thurston (D-Plantation), took the opportunity to remind the governor that thousands of low-income Floridians and other seniors remain on waiting lists for services and urged action on the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion.
See the entire statement by Rep. Perry Thurston below:
“Florida House Democratic Caucus members wish to thank Governor Scott for his newly discovered interest in Florida’s families. We agree that the ongoing contract negotiations and a potential ports’ strike are a serious concern to Florida’s economy and to the hundreds of thousands of jobs mentioned in the governor’s statement earlier today.
“We note with interest Governor Scott’s request that the federal government involve itself in the labor dispute. We hope that the governor now turns his attention to other critical family needs in Florida.
“Specifically, we look forward to Governor Scott’s leadership on full implementation of the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid expansion. We look forward to the governor’s action regarding the 85,000 frail and low-income seniors on waiting lists, and the 21,000-plus awaiting services for disabilities, many of whom have been waiting for years. The Florida House Democratic Caucus also looks forward to seeing the return of the $300 million dollars taken from the state’s public education system, and we look forward to a real commitment to public education for Florida families.
“President Obama will determine what is best regarding the looming strike at the nation’s East Coast ports. Governor Scott can turn his attention to Florida and begin correcting all that he has managed to dismantle.”
