Concerns over Californian businesses moving to Florida
A feud has been brewing between Florida's Governor Ron DeSantis, and Governor Gavin Newsom of California, and it escalated on April 25 after DeSantis made derogatory remarks about California.
In an interview posted to Twitter, Governor DeSantis described San Francisco as a "dumpster fire" and further expressed concerns at the prospect of Californian businesses potentially relocating to California if they aren't willing to adapt to Florida's way of doing business.
An escalating disagreement
Gov. DeSantis' remarks come after a series of tense exchanges between the two Governors.
Newsom, a Democrat, has been keen to weigh-in with his opinions on some of Governor DeSantis' recent decisions, announcements and changes in Florida law.
Most notably, Newsom has been critical of Florida's recently introduced so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill which prevents the discussion of sexuality, gender identity and sexual orientation in primary school classrooms.
The bill has sparked outrage amongst Democrats, and prompted tension between the state and some corporations who operate in Florida - notably Disney who are now facing the loss of their special tax status as a result of criticizing DeSantis and the state legislature.
Concerns over the relocation of liberal employees
The substance of DeSantis' comments towards California and Newsom's citizens appear to center on the effects that have been witnessed when businesses have relocated from San Francisco to other Republican states like Texas. Many large technology firms including Tesla, Google and Apple are expanding operations away from California.
Speaking on the issue, DeSantis had this to say:
“Those employees would vote the exact same way they voted that turned San Francisco into the dumpster fire that it is. It is a problem because I do think there's a class of voters who would come to Florida and they would continue to vote the same way.”
Newsom has also been far from polite when referring to DeSantis and Florida:
“Desantis’ Disney/Don’t Say Gay retaliation bill could increase a million Floridians' property tax bill by 25%. But go ahead and keep telling us about ‘fiscal responsibility’ & your ‘business-friendly climate.’”
People keep moving to Florida
As the governors keep arguing amongst themselves, it seems that Americans are voting with their feet.
Earlier this year, Florida was revealed as one of the most popular destinations for Americans wanting to relocate within the U.S. in search of a better life, often leaving Democrat-led states.
The numbers moving into Florida are significant - 220,980 Americans moved to Florida in 2021. This will likely have a positive effect on the economy and demonstrates that many see the benefit of living in the sunshine state.
The flip side of this is that the increased demand for housing in particular is now becoming an issue. It is pushing up rents and demand for housing, forcing many Floridians to struggle to meet the rising cost of living.
Time will tell whether the feuding governors have any influence over people and corporations moving to Florida, but it looks like little more than political wrangling and points-scoring.
Do you think Florida should welcome all people and corporations wanting to move to the state without questions? Do you believe Governor DeSantis is right (or wrong) to air his concerns? Let me know in the comments section below.
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