
Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) on Monday drew a fierce backlash after he complained about having to help out state and local governments that have seen their revenue streams destroyed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
While talking with reporters, Scott claimed it wasn't fair to ask taxpayers in Florida to help out states like New York and California that have been hit hard by the pandemic.
"It's not fair to the taxpayers of Florida," Scott complained. "We sit here, we live within our means, and then New York, Illinois, California and other states don't. And we're supposed to go bail them out? That's not right."
In reality, all states had been living "within their means" before the coronavirus outbreak shut down economic activity, thus dealing a massive blow to state revenue collections.
Additionally, many Twitter users pointed out that Florida is a massive recipient of federal aid, especially during hurricane season when the state relies on the federal government to help it deal with natural disasters.
Check out some reactions to Scott below.
@burgessev @politico Here's a map from the Rockefeller Institute of Govt, showing net flows to/from federal govt to… https://t.co/2cEGf2EDc3— Ian Shepherdson (@Ian Shepherdson) 1587991763.0
@burgessev I lived in Florida for any years and I can say that #rickscottisanasshole who defrauded Medicare, Medica… https://t.co/kXsdKbLckR— ItsAllBeenDecided 🌹 (@ItsAllBeenDecided 🌹) 1587991289.0
@burgessev @politico Actually, New York and Illinois are donor states, contributing more federal funds than they g… https://t.co/4q4RqkljvZ— Newly Presidented, Socially Distant Patriot (@Newly Presidented, Socially Distant Patriot) 1587992328.0
@burgessev to be clear: half the south would be forced to declare bankruptcy before noon tomorrow if the spigot of… https://t.co/KdNhud8Pyz— Michael Dobozy (@Michael Dobozy) 1587991528.0
@burgessev Medicare thief says wut🙄— SayYourPiece (@SayYourPiece) 1587990987.0
@burgessev @politico Someone needs to remind @SenRickScott that the whole entire COUNTRY bails Fla. out w/every Hur… https://t.co/Rli27eZe7Z— Al Wayward (@Al Wayward) 1587991533.0
@burgessev Remind me how much money Florida has received over the years in disaster relief.— Concerned Citizen (@Concerned Citizen) 1587991904.0
@burgessev "Rick and Ann Scott’s financial trail leads to Cayman Islands tax haven" https://t.co/trhz8aWaL0. 10/11/… https://t.co/XjcATVoa0L— mjk (@mjk) 1587991473.0