Rep. Wilson Blasts Governor Scott on Rolling Back Rights for Ex-Felons at Meeting with Florida Congressional Delegation
"When Pressed, Scott Unable to Follow Through on Promise of 'Let's Get to Work'"
Rep. Frederica Wilson (FL-17) today issued the following statement after a meeting between the Florida congressional delegation and Governor Rick Scott in which Rep. Wilson pressed the Governor on his decision to roll back voting rights for ex-felons:
“It took us decades to enact a partial restoration of rights to selective felons. At the time, I worked closely with a Republican Governor to restore these rights and ensure a smooth transition for these ex-felons so they could become productive members of society. In one fell swoop, Governor Scott reversed these hard-fought gains.
“Governor Scott campaigned on the promise of “let’s get to work,” but his record so far in office is anything but. He has led the charge against workers and families from day one.
“This morning, I pressed him on his commitment to ensuring that every Floridian is able to secure a job. If ex-felons can’t regain their rights, how can they get back to work and help themselves and Florida get back on track?
“The Governor danced around my question and his response was preposterous. He carefully avoided articulating a vision to get this population back to work and never did come up with a concrete answer. This is hypocrisy at its highest level.”
Rep. Frederica S. Wilson is a first-term congresswoman representing the 17th District of Florida, including Northern Miami-Dade and Southeast Broward Counties. She is a former state legislator and school principal and the founder of the 5000 Role Models for Excellence Project, a mentoring program for young males at risk of dropping out of school.