Dems Pile on Rick Scott over Transportation Project Contracts

The Democrats clearly think they may have an issue to hit Gov. Rick Scott with as Rep. Hazelle Rogers, D-Lauderdale Lakes, joined Democratic Senate Leader Nan Rich of Weston in taking on the new governors freeze of all contracts that will cost the state more than $1 million

Creating and retaining jobs for Floridians is the top priority for House Democratic Caucus members. Therefore, on behalf of my colleagues, I express very serious concern that one of the first acts of newly elected Governor Scott is a move that threatens thousands of existing jobs and may stymie job growth throughout Florida, said Rogers, who is the ranking Democrat on the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee. There are hundreds of million-dollar contracts with small businesses awaiting implementation. These contracts would pay Floridians for work ranging from paving roads in rural areas to adding needed highway lanes and bridges. Today, businesses are spending their own money to buy equipment and to employ staff while awaiting authority to get to work.

Florida government should not penalize these employers, added Rogers. I would hope that Governor Scotts freeze can be resolved within 30 days or less, rather than the costly three-month delay that hes ordered. For every dollar spent in the transportation industry, Floridians receive roughly $6 in economic development. Spending on transportation priorities is Floridas road to recovery.

Members of the House Democratic Caucus recognize that Floridians need jobs today, closed Rogers. Anything that delays job creation is of serious concern to us. We stand hopeful that Governor Scott keeps his campaign promises of creating at least 700,000 new jobs beyond the naturally occurring job growth we expect for Florida.