Crist Blasts DeSantis on State Budget Signing
U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist (left) wants to remind voters that funding from DeSantis's new budget stems from the American Rescue Plan, which he (Crist) fought for in Congress alongside President Joe Biden. Image: WFLA News Channel 8.
ST. PETERSBURG — Today, in response to Governor Ron DeSantis’s signing of the 2021 state budget, Democratic candidate for governor Charlie Crist made the following statement:
“Here’s a fact check for Governor DeSantis: the funding that made this budget possible was delivered by the American Rescue Plan I fought for in Congress alongside President Joe Biden. Without the American Rescue Plan, Florida would be facing harsh budget cuts — but Governor DeSantis is so focused on dividing Floridians for personal gain that he can’t admit that. He can’t tell the truth.
“While Governor DeSantis will try to claim credit today, the truth is that he opposed the American Rescue Plan. He opposed the funding that is providing bonuses to teachers and first responders. He opposed the funding that is helping cities and schools recover from a challenging year. And he opposed the direct relief checks that were a lifeline as our economy recovers.
“This isn’t leadership. It’s hypocrisy and partisan point-scoring at a time when Floridians are looking for a leader who will bring them together. Florida deserves better, and that’s why I’m running for governor: to build a Florida for all Floridians.”