Democratic Legislators Demand COVID Funds go to 'Fully Restore Arts'

Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D), who’s rumored to be eyeing a gubernatorial run in the upcoming midterm election, is joining forces with Democratic colleagues in order to “fully restore arts/culture grants to 730 non-profits.” Lawmakers are set to come to an agreement today on whether or not funds from President Biden’s “rescue package” should be reappropriated for the project.

Making the call for the project is Florida Rep. Carlos G. Smith (D) who shared the House Appropriations Bill Amendment on Twitter, arguing that it’s a decision that would “support these grants & grow our economy!” 

Critics of President Joe Biden’s (D) relief package have argued that the package is filled with “pork-ridden dollars,” but Democrats like Eskamani and Smith believe that it will help non-profits from across the Sunshine State that have faced economic devastation as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"So, let me get this straight. Eskamani and Smith want to use COVID relief dollars to pay for this wishlist project? The federal government already set aside money to pay for these unnecessary projects. Why not ask this money be given directly to Floridians," stated Publisher Javier Manjarres

Eskamani, who has hinted that she may run against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) in 2022, shared her support for the amendment on Twitter, calling on Florida to “get it done.”