Sink Says She Will Look Into Felon Applications Process

On the heels of a Sunshine State News report that Alex Sink approved the applications of at least six felons to sell insurance in Florida, the CFO told reporters she would look into the matter.

A transcript from a press gaggle this week:

Reporter: There are people here that have been convicted of theft, larceny, writing bad checks, using credit cards felonious use of credit cards, that have been licensed by your office to sell insurance, despite those that have met the waiting period. But, you know, financially related crimes, thats still a license to

Alex Sink: We are required to follow the law, and the laws are pretty specific about the licensing; the laws were passed several years ago by the Republican-controlled Legislature, and we are following the letter of the law.

Reporter: But you do have the authority, though, you do have the authority to, to not grant licenses even if the people have met those [inaudible]

Alex Sink: Well, the facts are always considered, whether it's insurance licensing or any other type of licensing, and, and it's pretty clear in the law what, what the guidelines are, and that our office is following the guidelines.

Reporter: Is there one where youve used that authority? Yes?

Alex Sink: Uh, uh, excuse me? I would have to I would be happy to look into the details of the specifics because I am not familiar with any specific individual detail. Well be happy to look into that. Catherine?

Reporter: I have a question concerning the same, I mean I just want to make sure I understand, are you agreeing that you do have some discretion in these cases, even though theyve had their clemency.

Alex Sink: The cases are reviewed and these are very technical legal matters and before ... Im happy to respond but I want to, Id like to get my agency head in here so that we are absolutely accurate and we are answering your questions with all transparency, we take accountability for the decisions we make and we are following the law.