House Republicans Bash Dems for Not Taking Part in Budget Exercises

Republicans in the Florida House continued to assail their Democratic colleagues on Tuesday after Democrats on the Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee refused to take part in budgeting exercises.

With a record number of Floridians out of work and the current gaping budget shortfall, it is our responsibility to work efficiently with our time here, said Rep. Matt Hudson, R-Naples, the chairman of the subcommittee. I am thankful Republicans are choosing to be engaged in the difficult budget development process. It is irresponsible for Democrats to waste our committee time and taxpayers dollars on an unproductive political stunt.

This is a slap in the face to voters who expect their elected officials to be engaged in the legislative process and find solutions to the tough issues facing our state, insisted House Majority Leader Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami. For what purpose are you here except to represent your constituents? The privilege of the democratic process is to represent those who elected you to serve.Boycotting the budget exercises just because the decisions are difficult not only reveals a lack of leadership, but also effectively denies your constituents a voice.

Sign up for news alerts from Sunshine State News