Rick Scott

Mr. Chairman, you opened the hearing by talking about the tragedy in Florida and the need to do something about school shootings.

You know, my heart goes out to everybody impacted today. You know, all of us can internalize this if it would happen in their family. You know, all of us want to have to live in. Have everybody live in a safe community, and there's a time…

Local voices matter.

I support the Governor's position that Florida is unique and its coasts are heavily reliant on tourism as an economic driver.

After talking with Florida Governor Scott, I am removing Florida from the draft offshore plan.

I worked with USAID colleagues to generate emergency funds to support the Ghanaian Government's hosting of a large number of Liberian refugees.

The rights of LGBTI people in Malawi is a serious issue that I, if confirmed, will raise as an area where advancements need to be made.

I would urge the Government of Malawi to adopt safe labor practices that protect the workforce and encourage growth.

Governor Rick Scott announced that there was a mandatory evacuation for the area we were going so the hotel canceled our reservation.

All Floridians Should Be Prepared To Evacuate

He's in medical supply and he's part of a team that is going to help reopen if there is any surge damage.

This Is a Life-Threatening Situation

Once you're in evacuation order, get out. We cannot save you when the storm hits. If you're in the Keys and still home, leave and get out. If you're told to evacuate, get out quickly. We can't take care of you in the middle of a storm.

We must fight to continue the overtime rule and codify it because workers deserve that attention.

It's been 10 years since Congress increased the minimum wage. We need to address the minimum wage.

Our guiding principle should be who wins and who loses. And we can support growth while still maintaining what should be a bipartisan commitment to workers' rights to a fair wage, safe workplace, and an ability to organize and collectively…

If that's the case, and if the sharing economy does reflect the future of work, we must ask whether we want our children and grandchildren to inherit a future where workers lack the most basic employment protections.

I hope this committee commits to a robust oversight of ESSA implementation moving forward...

It is the responsibility of States and districts to innovate within the guardrails of ESSA's equity requirements.

I remain concerned about many of the actions of Secretary DeVos and this administration concerning our Nation's students...

And lastly, Trumpcare's proposed cuts to Medicaid, if enacted, would devastate services for students with disabilities...

I appreciate the Inspector General's attention to these issues over the years, and I believe the Department of Labor must continue to aggressively implement the corrective action initiated under the Obama Administration.

In the K through 12 system, we have seen that zero tolerance policies are based on zero common sense and have been found to be ineffective in promoting safety.

Job Corp provides a safer environment for these young people and is transformational for the overwhelming number of students who finish the program.

We must also stand together in strong support of Job Corps and its vital mission.