Wasserman Schultz urges Gov. Scott to veto bill that thwarts paid sick leave for workers

U.S. Rep. Wasserman Schultz joined local workers in South Florida to call on Gov. Scott to veto HB655

PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – Earlier today, U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23) called on Governor Rick Scott to veto HB655, a bill passed by Florida’s legislature that will have a negative impact on Florida’s workers, particularly working families.

The legislation, which was sent to Gov. Scott for his signature on Monday, would block local governments from adopting mandatory sick time benefits, forcing working parents to choose between taking care of their sick child at home or going to work so they don’t lose their job.

Speaking at Pompano Beach child care center Children In The Spirit, Wasserman Schultz talked about why this bill would harm working families in Florida:

“This has nothing to do with politics and everything to do with the values of our country. This is about the people – the working families – across Florida and our nation. I urge Governor Scott to do what’s right for Florida’s workers and families and veto this bill. The Legislature should sit down with business leaders, worker’s advocates and local governments to craft a workable compromise, rather than simply prohibit local elected officials from passing ordinances to improve the lives of their constituents.”

Wasserman Schultz was joined by Fred Frost with South Florida Jobs With Justice, Barbara Weinstein, the CEO and president of Family Central, Inc., and Nadege Moise, a single mother who works at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and makes $4.77 an hour.

On May 30, Democratic women in the Florida Congressional delegation sent a letter to Gov. Scott urging him to veto the bill.

Gov. Scott has 14 days left to take action on the bill.