Gov. Scott: I'm Going to D.C. to Demand Congressional Action on Zika

Gov. Rick Scott announced in a written statement Thursday he will be in Washington D.C. Sept. 6 to meet with members of Congress on the immediate need for funding to combat the Zika virus.
 
Scott said, “Since Congress decided to go on a seven-week vacation, the state of Florida has been hard at work combatting the Zika virus." 

"During Congress’ vacation, we have identified 43 cases of locally acquired Zika in four Florida counties. The virus demands immediate federal action ..." He said he would stress the urgency of the crisis, to protect our residents and visitors.
 
“Earlier this summer, following the federal government’s failure to act and fund this national issue, I authorized more than $26 million in emergency state funds for Zika prevention and response. Today, more than $23 million of those funds have been allocated to local mosquito control and Zika preparedness efforts in our state.
 
“The health and safety of Florida’s families cannot be overshadowed by partisan politics. Our state has several requests that the Obama Administration has repeatedly failed to fulfill and I expect the president to work with his federal agencies and Congress to fully fulfill these requests quickly. I work hand in hand with our Florida Legislature to do what is best for Florida’s families and we expect the president and Congress to do the same.”
 
Scott also said the Florida Department of Health still believes ongoing active transmission is only taking place within the small identified areas in Wynwood and Miami Beach in Miami-Dade County and will provide updates on the ongoing investigations in Pinellas and Palm Beach counties as they conclude. 

For more information on the Zika virus, call the state Zika Virus Information Hotline at 855-622-6735.

Click HERE to see a detailed timeline of actions taken by the governor to combat the virus in Florida.