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State Democratic Lawmakers Call On Governor To Stop Corporate Tax Refunds

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference at a drive-through coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn't want the people on the Holland America's Zandaam where four people died and others are sick to be treated in Florida, saying the state doesn't have the capacity to treat outsiders as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.
Wilfredo Lee
/
Wilfredo Lee
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference at a drive-through coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn't want the people on the Holland America's Zandaam where four people died and others are sick to be treated in Florida, saying the state doesn't have the capacity to treat outsiders as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference at a drive-through coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn't want the people on the Holland America's Zandaam where four people died and others are sick to be treated in Florida, saying the state doesn't have the capacity to treat outsiders as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.
Credit Wilfredo Lee / Wilfredo Lee
/
Wilfredo Lee
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during a news conference at a drive-through coronavirus testing site in front of Hard Rock Stadium, Monday, March 30, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn't want the people on the Holland America's Zandaam where four people died and others are sick to be treated in Florida, saying the state doesn't have the capacity to treat outsiders as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.

Democratic lawmakers are asking Governor Ron DeSantis to stop the $540 million in refunds heading to corporations May 1. They warn Florida could be hit hard given the state’s tourism industry is at a standstill along with other businesses. 

Rep.Carlos Guillermo Smith (D-Orlando) says with so many people struggling, handing out money to corporations isn’t the right thing to do.

“Giving out this giant corporate refund at this time is not only insulting to those folks but it’s also just should not be a priority in Florida," Smith said."That’s why we’re urging Governor Ron DeSantis to use his executive authority to stop this.”

A spokesman for the Governor says the tax refunds will continue to go to corporate taxpayers. Democrats hope they can persuade the Governor to change his mind.

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Blaise Gainey is a Multimedia Reporter for WFSU News. Blaise hails from Windermere, Florida. He graduated from The School of Journalism at the Florida A&M University. He formerly worked for The Florida Channel, WTXL-TV, and before graduating interned with WFSU News. He is excited to return to the newsroom. In his spare time he enjoys watching sports, Netflix, outdoor activities and anything involving his daughter.