Letter to US Governors and Mayors - Sen. Rick Scott Urges U.S. Governors and Mayors to Return Excess Taxpayer Dollars from COVID Spending Packages

Letter

Dear Governors and Mayors:
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have seen great collaboration at every
level of government in response to this crisis. As the former Governor of Florida, I
understand the arduous decision-making and budgeting process that each of you have
undergone countless times in the past year. That is why, as local, state and federal
partners have worked hand-in-hand to fight against COVID-19, I have advocated for
the federal government to provide needed funding to support small businesses, assist
the unemployed and develop life-saving vaccines. Prior to the recent partisan passage
of President Biden's massive, wasteful and non-targeted $1.9 trillion "American Rescue
Plan Act," Congress passed five bipartisan COVID-19 relief packages dedicating almost
$4.5 trillion in federal spending, including nearly $400 billion in taxpayer funding to
state and local governments.
Now, as part of the American Rescue Plan Act spending package passed by
Congressional Democrats this past week, state and local governments are set to receive
an additional $360 billion in taxpayer dollars, wholly unrelated to responding to the
pandemic. Democrats rushed this spending through Congress without a single
Republican vote and against growing evidence that local and state tax revenue did not
suffer the massive downturn predicted when lock downs began. In fact, many state and
local governments have seen revenue increases over the past year, like California,
which is adding more than $22 billion to its reserves.
I am writing you today with a simple and common sense request: each state and
local government should commit to reject and return any federal funding in excess of
your reimbursable COVID-19 related expenses. This commitment will serve the best
interests of hard working American taxpayers and will send a clear message to
Washington: politicians in Congress should quit recklessly spending other people's
money.
The COVID-19 pandemic is a public health emergency. Just as it does for other
major disasters, the federal government has an important role to play in helping state
and municipal governments offset the costs of COVID-19 response. However, American
taxpayer dollars should not be used as bonus cash to plug budget holes caused by
decades of poor fiscal management. This is not a taxpayer-funded bailout; it is a
reimbursement for specific, COVID-related expenses.

As mayors and governors, you understand the importance of living within your
means and budgeting responsibly so that you are delivering the best possible service to
your communities, ensuring maximum return on any government spending and
eliminating debt wherever possible. By rejecting and returning any unneeded funds, as
well as funds unrelated to COVID-19, you would be taking responsible action to avoid
wasting scarce tax dollars. After all, every dollar in this package is borrowed.
I will continue to do all I can to support federal efforts for the things that are
most important to defeating this virus, including protecting families and small
businesses. I look forward to working with you on these issues and ensuring that we
have a sustainable and responsible path forward.
Sincerely,

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