Millions of Americans are looking to Florida in one of the most pivotal races in the country. The Senate race between former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and incumbent Sen. Rick Scott is a dead heat, with Mucarsel-Powell trailing by . The winner of this race could decide control of the Senate and the future of American policy. It is time for Florida voters to elect a senator who will fight to enact policies that build a prosperous future for everyone, not just the wealthy few. That person is Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Let’s look at the bigger picture: Democratic policies are working. Inflation is to 2.4%, almost to the 2% target; GDP is growing at 3% annually; the price of insulin at $35 a month; out-of-pocket prescription drug costs will be capped at $2,000 per year in 2025; and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in spending for roads, bridges, ports and public transportation. More importantly, these policies help Americans who are the most in need.
On the contrary, Scott’s 12-point advocates for the expiring Donald Trump tax cuts to be made permanent. Multiple conclude that the extension of these cuts would add trillions to the deficit and would disproportionately benefit wealthier Americans while middle-income Americans . That is not a plan that will lead America into the future and keep more money in the pockets of hardworking Americans such as teachers, farmers and first responders.
Future economic policy must build the economy from the middle out, not the top down. One of Mucarsel-Powell’s top priorities is bringing good-paying clean-energy jobs to Florida and cutting back on the outsourcing of jobs to China. This will create a cycle of job and wage growth that will also increase solar-panel and clean-energy production, which in turn will bring the electricity costs of Floridians down while also benefiting the environment. “Republicans and Democrats alike want someone who works for them and puts partisan politics aside. Rick Scott voted against the CHIPS and Science Act, which would have a firm hand against China and bring jobs here to Florida,” Mucarsel-Powel said.
Why does Senator Scott deserve your vote? He has voted against bill after bill that would benefit everyday hard-working Americans. Even bills with bipartisan support. Some of those bills include the:
- Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act;
- Inflation Reduction Act;
- CHIPS and Science Act;
- Bipartisan Safer Communities Act;
- American Rescue Plan;
- and Respect for Marriage Act.
Whether you are a Democrat or Republican, we all share common aspirations: affordable prescription drugs, opportunities for our children to buy homes and start families, and to one day enjoy retirement. Given Scott’s track record and current views, it is clear that he has put his own interests ahead of the people he was elected to serve. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is the obvious choice for the U.S. Senate in the 2024 election, ready to deliver for Florida and the American people.
Kirk Orr is a senior studying economics and political science at Florida Atlantic University.