Today the press is reporting that Governor Crist's political games with the Recovery package means that he is raising unemployment taxes at unprecedented rates on Florida's business at a time when we need to be creating jobs.

Just a few weeks after standing on the stage with President Obama, Crist joined with the Republican legislature and rejected $444 million from the stimulus to help Floridians who have fallen upon hard times.

Now, because of their political games -- the state announced that unemployment taxes on small businesses across the state are going up as much as 983%. No that is not a typo, it how much Governor Cirst is being forced to raise taxes since he didn't take $444 million in stimulus dollars. Now more than ever we need to know where he stands.

Last week Congressman Kendrick Meek asked you to join him in calling on Governor Crist to come clean - and thousands of you stood with him. Will you join them?

Join your fellow Floridians and Congressman Meek to call on Governor Crist: Will he stick with the people of Florida or turn his back on creating jobs?

This isn't just about an election - this is about Florida's future. While Congressman Meek has been fighting hard to help Floridians and prevent these skyrocketing taxes -- Governor Crist who has done nothing.

In April, Meek called on the state to take action before the end of the session - and Governor Crist did nothing.

In May he called for a special session to prevent these skyrocketing taxes and help unemployed Floridians and their families - and Governor Crist did nothing.

After Governor Crist claimed to support the recovery package and he stood by and signed the budget that rejected $444 Million for unemployed Floridians. So, his recent flip-flop should come as no surprise as he tries to win the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Now we as Floridians are paying the price - quite literally.

Join Congressman Meek and call on Governor Crist: Will he stick with the people of Florida or turn his back on creating jobs?

We need strong leadership in Florida. As we face double digit unemployment, businesses are struggling, and the foreclosure crisis in our state. We can't afford to let the Republican competition over conservative primary voters dominate whether or not unemployed Floridians and their families get help or whether or not business create jobs instead of being crushed by taxes.

Thank you for standing up and demanding the truth from Governor Crist.

Sincerely,
Scott Arceneaux
Executive Director
Florida Democratic Party