Rick Scott's Bizarre Answer

Here is the audio of Gov. Rick Scott's rambling and coherent response to this question. The Department of Corrections is facing 1,700 layoffs. Scott was asked what is he asking the rich to sacrifice.

You said to hold you accountable. State employees have seen, since the Bush Administration, a reduction in state employees. I have been with this agency for many years. And I've seen where our staff has been significantly cut. We are required to do more with less. State employees haven't received a raise in five or six years. You're asking us to contribute to our pension plan and contribute more to our insurance. My question is simple: What have you required for the wealthiest Floridians to contribution to the state deficit?

Scott never answered the question. Scott went into a bizarre spiel about shopping of Wal-Mart. Is Scott aware that public prisons are not retail businesses?

The crowd applauded after the corrections worker's question. This shows how bad Scott is at public speaking.

Scott ignored the applause and spent the next seven minutes not answering her question. (Listen to the exchange below.)

Instead, Scott attempted a quick lesson in capitalism.

"If you work in the private sector, here's the things you have to do: You're overhead has to come down each and every year as a percentage of revenues. Every year. That has not happened in state government," he said.

Scott went on to talk about WalMart, China, taxes in Illinois and competing for business with Texas.

No one applauded when he finished.

Correction workers are facing layoffs and Scott is talking about Texas. It would be funny if so many people were not facing unemployment.

Update: Politifact rates it Mostly True that state prison workers haven't received a raise in "5 or 6 years."

State workers received a 3 percent general pay adjustment on Oct. 1, 2006, their last general wage increase.

State workers did receive a $1,000 lump-sum bonus on Nov. 1, 2007, and eligible Florida Highway Patrol law enforcement employees received a 5 percent raise effective Oct. 1, 2008. There were no pay adjustments included in the 2009-10 or 2010-11 budget.

Employees remain eligible for possible merit pay increases.

State employees received a one time $1,000 bonus in 2007. That knocks it down from True.

Scott is 'Flummoxed' at Dept of Corrections

Teachers have voiced their disapproval of Florida education cuts. Department of Corrections workers, facing possible layoffs, got a chance to air their grievances. Gov. Rick Scott was taken by surprised when workers at the headquarters of the Department of Corrections took him to task.

The crowd burst into applause when veteran accounting supervisor Delphine Hill politely but firmly pointed out that state workers have not had a raise in six years and are now being threatened with increased health care costs and reduced benefits.

"You said to hold you accountable," Hill said. "What have you required of the wealthiest Floridians to contribute to the state deficit?"

Now that is an excellent question.

Jim Ash of the Pensacola FL News described Scott as "flummoxed" by the question. This was Scott's answer.

"In business, your overhead has to come down each and every year," Scott said.

Scott reverted to a talking point. This is a politician that can't connect with people. Scott is in trouble. That is going to come off as bullshit to Corrwections workers facing 1,700 layoffs. Scott is a politician that can't connect with people. Scott is in trouble. I consider that a good thing. Scott's lack of popularity will minimize the damage he will do.