Scott Presses Govs To Return Unused COVID Funds

Politico reports:

It’s about to be budget season in Tallahassee and that means Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will begin rolling out his recommendations on how to spend the billions in surplus money the state has accumulated the last few years. But as DeSantis preps for another session — and an expected presidential run — he has a familiar nemesis who continues to press DeSantis and other governors about whether they are true fiscal conservatives.

Florida Sen. and former governor Rick Scott last Friday blasted off a letter to state and local leaders across the country urging them to return unused Covid-19 relief funds sent to them by Congress. “Many state and local governments are now swimming in extra cash, with some using funding intended for ‘COVID relief’ as a slush fund.” Scott points out that Congress late last year changed the law so that any unspent money returned can be used to pay down the federal debt.

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Reducing our nation’s $31 TRILLION debt should be a top priority, and I’m working every day to make it happen.

I just sent a letter to let our local and state leaders know that ANY unused “#COVID relief” funds can be returned to the pay our debt.https://t.co/56Hs3XMkw6

— Rick Scott (@SenRickScott) January 23, 2023