Rick Scott in 2024 FL Senate race

On Civil Rights: Enforce Court decision ending college affirmative action

While the Court took a big step forward in eliminating racial discrimination in admissions, more work remains to be done. In his remarks in the wake of the landmark decision, President Biden proposed "a new standard, where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome, including racial discrimination that individuals have faced in their own lives."

We call upon the Biden administration to embrace the Court's holdings: racial discrimination [does not] have any place in schooling. The American people deserve no less than an Executive Branch committed to enforcing the law equally to all people without concern for their race.

On Drugs: Rated F by NORML: no medical marijuana

NORML Politician Info: rated F
• Candidate: Rick Scott (R - FL): Holds office U.S. Senate; Candidate in race for U.S. Senate on Tuesday, August 20, 2024
• Summary: NO MEDICAL USE
• Biography: Senator Rick Scott has actively fought against reform legislation in Florida. In 2016, Senator Scott attempted to stand in front of an amendment allowing medical cannabis in Florida. Senator Scott was also responsible for a ban on smokeable medical marijuana--a ban which has since been overturned after being deemed unconstitutional. 6/27/18
• Position on Medical Marijuana: Against allowing access to smokeable medical marijuana
• Comments:
• Upon signing the legislation to enact Question 2 for medical marijuana, Scott said "The constitutional amendment was passed overwhelmingly, and I'm glad the House and Senate were able to come together for a bill that makes sense for our state." (Miami Herald 6/23/17)

On Education: It's time for schools to stop pushing these woke ideologies

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): No. Opposes Florida's "Stop WOKE Act" that banned race-based conversations. Opposes limits on teaching about slavery; "we must include all... of our history for our children so that they can... build a better future." Supported a national anti-bullying bill.

Rick Scott (R): Yes. "It is time for schools to stop pushing these woke ideologies." Supports Florida's restrictions on teaching sexuality and gender identity in schools. Students should not be taught that "some Americans are oppressors and others are oppressed."

On Education: Student loan bailout is a socialist handout

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Yes. Supports canceling student debt. With student debt, "the consumer loses & only the financial institutions profit." Sponsored a bill to kill interest on federal student loans.

Rick Scott (R): No. "Biden's student loan bailout will cost ALL Americans." It's a "socialist handout." Schools should be "on the hook for student debt."

On Energy & Oil: Address climate change impact without killing the economy

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Yes. "Climate change is real... impacting Floridians, their lives, and their property." Will act to address it. Has supported building smart power grids, upgrading buildings for maximum efficiency, removing greenhouse gases from transportation and agricultural sectors, and strengthening building codes to withstand future storms.

Rick Scott (R): No. As governor, rolled back climate change initiatives. State employees said his administration banned them from using the term "climate change." In 2021 said it is real; would focus on addressing impacts without killing the economy. Opposed both Biden's $369 billion clean energy investment and rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement.

On Environment: Cut budgets of state environmental agencies

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Tighten. "Our environment is at the heart of everything." Advocated for federal funding to restore the Everglades. Introduced a bill to require using 20% of federal water quality clean funds for "green infrastructure."

Rick Scott (R): Mostly loosen. Voted to roll back an EPA emissions rule. Cut budgets of state environmental agencies. Helped to secure Everglades funding.

On Government Reform: Shrink government work force by 25% in 5 years

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Increase. Expand child tax credit for lower-income families. Invest in job and vocational training. Opposes consolidation of grocery chains. Will work to lower property insurance costs and cap drug prices.

Rick Scott (R): Decrease. "We will shrink... the government work force by 25% in 5 years." "Reducing burdensome government regulations aids with economic growth" and increases government efficiency. Voted against $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill.

On Immigration: Urged Trump to not end DACA (support DREAMers)

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Wants "legal pathways." Supported 2024's bipartisan border security bill. Voted for a path to permanent residence for DACA.

Rick Scott (R): Opposes all immigration reform until "our border is secured." Opposed a Biden order aiding undocumented spouses of US citizens. Urged Trump to not end DACA.

On Jobs: Supports the National Right-to-Work Act

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D): Easier. Looks forward to "fighting to defend labor rights." Voted for PRO Act to protect workers' rights to organize unions.

Rick Scott (R): Harder. Supports the National Right-to-Work Act, which would let employees in a unionized workplace not pay union dues.