He ordered Enterprise Florida, an organization partially funded by taxpayer dollars, to produce and pay for radio ads to air in California with the hopes of luring jobs away from the Golden State to the Sunshine State.
Well, California Gov. Jerry Brown has dismissed the attempt as a "silly stunt" and pointedly told Scott to get serious about climate change if he's really worried about Florida's economic future.
The ad in question features two women chatting.
"This place is beautiful, but you just can't afford to live here," says one woman
"Go to Florida instead — no state income tax, and Governor Scott has cut regulations," the other replies. (Notably, there's no explanation in the ad about why that woman hasn't taken her own advice and is still in California. Major plot hole!)
The ad then claims that California will lose 700,000 jobs due to a raise in the minimum wage.
Scott has followed up the ad by traveling to the state and meeting with business leaders.
Brown was none to pleased and blasted Scott in an open letter.
"Rick, a fact you'd like to ignore: California is the 7th largest economic power in the world," Brown wrote. "We're competing with nations like Brazil and France, not states like Florida."
He continued, "If you’re truly serious about Florida’s economic wellbeing, it’s time to stop the silly political stunts and start doing something about climate change – two words you won’t even let state officials say. The threat is real and so too will be the devastating impacts."
Brown then attached a link to a recent study:
“Florida faces more risk than any other state that private, insurable property could be inundated by high tide, storm surge and sea level rise. By 2030 up to $69 billion in coastal property will likely be at risk of inundation at high tide that is not at risk today. By 2050, the value of property below local high tide levels will increase to up to about $152 billion.”
He finished, "So, while you’re enjoying a stroll on one of California’s beautiful beaches this week, don’t stick your head in the sand. Take a few minutes to read the rest of this report. There’s no time to waste."
