Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) and all of Florida’s Congressional Democrats called on Governor Ron DeSantis to reverse the state’s recently updated vaccination policies.
Last week, Governor DeSantis unveiled a revision to Florida’s vaccination policy plan that aims to eliminate state-mandated vaccinations. Florida’s House Republicans were invited to sign on to the request, which pointed to the potential negative health and economic impacts that could result from such a policy change; however, they refused to sign onto the letter.
The vaccination policy change comes after a statement by Florida Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Lapado, where he compared mandatory vaccinations to “slavery” vowing to eliminate “every last one.” Lapado later admitted that the decision to end state mandated vaccines was not based on any scientific research and no oversight was given to the effects the elimination could have on children or seniors.
In a statement, Wasserman Schultz argued that vaccines are pivotal to maintaining a healthy economy and that “protecting our children and vulnerable seniors is so important, it is essential to speak with one voice to shut down any extremist push to undermine life-saving vaccines. Too many lives and jobs are on the line.”
She pointed out that “the majority of Floridians have confidence in and rely upon universal vaccination programs,” adding that, despite the bipartisan resistance to the policy changes, the message to reverse them has fallen on deaf ears.
“I’m deeply disappointed that a powerful, bipartisan message could not be sent to our governor and his top health official that makes it clear: this assault on vaccines must be reversed. Democrats are making it clear today where we stand - with the health of our people and our economy,” she added.
In a letter sent to the governor, the Florida Democrats urged DeSantis to reverse the changes in the name of safeguarding Florida’s economy, educators, children, and families, and upholding scientific integrity.
“We urge you to reverse this directive and maintain school vaccine requirements. Doing so will help safeguard the health of Florida’s children, families, educators, and economy, while also upholding the scientific standards that guided America’s public health policies for generations,” the letter reads. “Preserving these protections is not a partisan matter but a bipartisan responsibility to protect our most vulnerable and ensure that our schools remain safe places to learn and thrive.”
