It is disgusting that after 90 days of oil and more than 80,000 million gallons leaking into the Gulf, the Republican House of Representatives would not allow more than 20 minutes of debate on the issue and immediately adjourned. The first casualty in this calamity was our environment. The second was our economy. Now the third casualty is our Democracy.
Today the Republican-led Legislature convened in a special session but refused to act for the people of Florida. They met briefly and chose political partisanship over action. These lawmakers are more interested in “playing politics” than ensuring that the ongoing crisis in the Gulf never happens again. This disaster has unprecedented environmental impacts and has compromised thousands of jobs and our state’s overall economy and yet lawmakers convened in Tallahassee, costing taxpayers $40,000 every day they are here, for little more than political shenanigans.
Joining Florida’s Republican-led Legislature’s choice of inaction is Congressman Adam Putnam, putting the interest of his big money friends from big oil first. He has called today’s session ‘patently political’ and a ‘political sham’. Is it a sham that people are losing their jobs, their homes, the way of life they have had for generations? Our Legislature had many choices for how they could have handled today’s session and chose to do nothing.
Congressman Putnam claims that he wants to be your consumer advocate, but  has a history of advocating against the consumer and protecting the interest of big business.
We cannot allow this inaction to continue. Today I joined with citizens from all over Florida for “Hands at the Capital” to show our frustration over the Deep Horizon Oil Spill, and our outrage and disappointment with the Republican leadership. We will continue to stand up against Big Oil and other special interests for the people of Florida. Join us in our efforts by contacting the Florida House and Senate Leadership and letting them know that you are ashamed of their inaction.
Today’s display of inaction by Republican lawmakers embodies why now is the time for new leadership in Florida.
Thank you.

Scott Maddox