Pushing Rope: Florida House DEM Caucus Ask For Investigation of Scott Budget Signing

Florida House Democrats have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater to investigate a Rick Scott staffer throwing protesters out of the budget signing. Below is the letter sent by the Florida House Democratic caucus. Below is the letter.

Tallahassee, FL 32399
The Honorable Jeff Atwater
Chief Financial Officer, State of Florida
The Capitol
Tallahassee, FL 32399

Re: Governor Scott's May 26 Florida Budget Signing Event

Dear General Bondi and CFO Atwater:

By now, you are aware of a controversy concerning Governor Rick Scott and his admission that his office inappropriately removed Florida residents from a public budget signing event held in the Central Florida retirement community of The Villages on Thursday, May 26, 2011.

In a June 3 Governor's Office statement responding to concerns raised by citizens and members of the media, a spokesperson for the governor acknowledged that a mistake had occurred.

However, the brief statement neither provides explanation for the actions nor an apology to the affected persons.

In our view, the unlawful removal of a citizen at a public event is a very serious infringement of the rights of taxpaying Floridians, especially given the appearance that the citizens were removed solely, or primarily, because of their political views. These actions by, or under the authority of the Governor's Office, are profoundly disappointing and shocking as they trample upon essential freedoms that all Americans cherish.

Given the seriousness of the matter and the considerable public importance, we urge you and your offices to provide us with urgent insight into the following questions:

* Were civil liberties that are guaranteed under the Florida and U.S. constitutions, and under state or federal law, infringed upon by the Governor's Office in its apparent decision to use resources of a local sheriff to remove citizens, at risk of arrest, from the budget-signing event?

* What remedies are available to the affected Floridians, and what penalties are appropriate for such alleged misconduct?

* Were state offices or public funds used inappropriately at this signing event; and if so, what are the appropriate means for reimbursing taxpayers?

* What recommendations can you provide to ensure all Floridians that such a "mistake" will not happen again?

Thank you for your urgent attention to this matter involving important constitutional and financial concerns to Floridians.

We look forward to your reply.