'This bill is indefensible': DeSantis’ measure to fly 'migrants from state to state' approved

11 February 2023

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis' proposed bill to fly migrants out of state was approved by the state's GOP-controlled House this week, Orlando Sentinel reports.

The new measure allows the governor to put $10 million towards relocating migrants to "sanctuary states," after he spent $615,000 of taxpayer dollars last year to send migrants to Martha's Vineyard from Florida. The money was pulled from a $12 million budget specifically allotted for the ploy.

Per Orlando Sentinel, the GOP officials who back DeSantis' "political stunt" say the bill is about "keeping undocumented immigrants from coming to Florida and the federal government’s failure to prevent a flood of people crossing the nation’s borders."

Tampa's WFLA News Channel 8 reports the bill states:

“The Federal Government has failed to secure the nation’s borders” and has “proven itself unwilling to address this crisis,” the bill states. “Without such action” by Florida lawmakers, “detrimental effects” could occur, like “increased crime, diminished economic opportunities and wages for American workers, and burdens on the education and health care systems.”

Florida Democratic leaders beg to differ, asserting the governor's intention behind the measure is a "political ploy" meant to boost his potential 2024 presidential campaign, according to Orlando Sentinel.

Democratic legislator Rep. Daryl Campbell asserts the legislation is "about the governor dictating to this Legislature questionable policies while misusing taxpayer funds."

Campbell's colleague, Democratic Rep. Christopher Benjamin said, “This bill is indefensible. The bill plays games with human beings’ lives.”

From Your Site Articles