Freedom to prosper
To the editor:
The guiding principle of the House Democratic Caucus is to protect Floridians’ freedom to be healthy, prosperous and safe.
Gov. DeSantis gave his State of the State address touting Florida’s freedom. While harshly criticizing federal spending, he is also taking credit for the good results from those federal dollars that came from the American Rescue Plan and COVID-19 stimulus funds, all of which were opposed by Republicans in Congress.
DeSantis praises his efforts to “protect the rights” of citizens to earn a living. Presumably this means protecting workers from vaccines and masks, but denies the reality of working families actually trying to earn a decent living here. The annual median income in Florida is well below the national average ($59,327 vs. $67,712) while the cost of living in Florida is actually 3% higher than the national average.
Average workers are so underpaid that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness has become impossible for even the average family with two workers, let alone the single parent. Rents are soaring, making it impossible for those working in service industries to live anywhere close to their workplace. The dream of homeownership is unattainable in Florida with real estate prices rising 23.9% in one year alone. Homebuyer assistance for low to moderate income families is paltry at best, with needs far outstripping funding. No state allowances for first-time buyers here!
Benefits to the unemployed are in a disastrous state in Florida, also. It has and is failing continuously, even when thousands of citizens are in need. Criticism of the Federal government’s supplemental payments was widespread. Shame on you, governor. Our hardworking tax dollars are given to large corporations and spent on ridiculous lawsuits against cruise industries and the federal government, and not to benefit working citizens! Wouldn’t you prefer your tax dollars go to protecting our fragile coastal environment, improving our educational system and addressing the needs of our disabled and most vulnerable residents, the elderly?
Vote Democratic and replace our failed governor, Ron DeSantis, elect Nikki Fried, and build Florida back better.
Susan Schroeder
Bokeelia