Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) have both discussed their efforts to champion issues of interest for the Puerto Rican community. This interactive comparison lays out their policy positions on a range of matters important to Puerto Rican families, particularly those forced from Puerto Rico due to the devastation of Hurricane Maria and now are working to rebuild their lives in Florida.
Gov. Scott portrays himself as a strong supporter of Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans. Recently, he has even tried to distance himself from the words and actions of President Donald Trump on Puerto Rico. His actual record as governor, such as on health care, climate change, and immigration, however, is closely aligned with the Trump administration’s policies and would harm Puerto Rican families both in Florida and in Puerto Rico.
Sen. Nelson’s actions and efforts, in strong contrast, have consistently combated the Trump administration’s woefully inadequate hurricane response. Even before Hurricane Maria, he has pushed policies that would help Puerto Ricans obtain well-paying jobs and access affordable health care and housing, while treating Puerto Ricans—who are fellow American citizens—with equality.
The Center for American Progress Action Fund’s Puerto Rico Relief and Economic Policy Initiative is a program that focuses both on the immediate-term hurricane response efforts for Puerto Rico, as well as on long-term planning, economic recovery, and solvency. Through the initiative, CAPAF aims to contribute bold, progressive ideas to the ongoing dialogue on Puerto Rico recovery efforts and direct existing policy, advocacy, and communications resources to myriad issues affecting Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rican diaspora.