Last week, I was proud to stand alongside members of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community to announce the “Puerto Ricans for Rick Scott” coalition and pledge our support for Senator Scott’s re-election to the United States Senate.
When then-Governor Scott ran for Senate in 2018, his success with Hispanic voters made his November victory possible. He showed up for our community, and Puerto Ricans in Florida proudly supported him because of his continued work with the island and his efforts as Governor to help the Puerto Rican people.
Rick Scott did a phenomenal job as Governor, and his leadership was key in helping Puerto Ricans recover following the devastation of Hurricane Maria. He traveled to Puerto Rico on eight separate occasions, and on each trip worked closely with officials on the island to address problems and expedite the recovery. He established “Welcome Centers” in Central Florida to help the thousands of Puerto Ricans who relocated to the Sunshine state following the hurricane. Scott provided employment resources, expedited licensing for professionals, eased the process for school registration and facilitated information on housing. Senator Scott went above and beyond in our hour of need and welcomed Puerto Ricans to Florida with open arms.
In our state, the Puerto Rican community continues to grow. Currently, more than one million Puerto Ricans reside in Florida and that number is expected to increase. According to the 2020 census, Puerto Ricans chose Florida as their new home more than any other group. Osceola County’s population has nearly doubled in the last decade, with the vast majority being Puerto Ricans.[SS1]
In Washington, Senator Rick Scott has prioritized issues that are important to our community. He is a tireless fighter for jobs, and greater opportunities as well as educational empowerment. The education of our children and the hope for a better future is something that attracts many Puerto Ricans to make the decision to move to Florida. By tackling these tough issues that are so important to Puerto Ricans, he’s become a vital voice for our community in the U.S. Senate.
I recently had the honor of speaking with my dear friend Senator Scott. We talked about our families, children and grandchildren. He told me how proud he is of his grandchildren. Many people don’t know the sacrifice public servants like Rick Scott make. When he is not in Washington or with his family, he spends his time touring our state, listening to Floridians and coming up with solutions. Rick Scott at the core is a problem solver and that’s one of the reasons he is so respected.
Many politicians make the mistake of not seeking the Latino vote, especially in the Puerto Rican community. Democrats believe that Puerto Ricans will automatically vote for their party. We’ve seen it in past elections, and it is simply not true. The Puerto Rican vote must be earned, and it was evident in 2018 when Rick Scott earned it!
Senator Scott never takes his support for granted. He shows up time and time again.
That is why the “Puerto Ricans for Rick Scott” coalition is so important. Many Puerto Ricans want to thank the Senator for what he has done for us and want to send a clear message of support. Our Puerto Rican teachers, firefighters, police officers, businessmen, nurses and a large number of Puerto Ricans in Florida are supporting Senator Rick Scott. Ultimately, we all want to continue having a voice in the Senate for the people of Puerto Rican, and Senator Rick Scott without a doubt has been that voice.
Robert “Bob” Cortés served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2014 to 2018. He is the Chairman of the “Puerto Ricans for Rick Scott” coalition.
A version in Spanish can be found here: Robert “Bob” Cortés: “Los Puertorriqueños necesitamos que Rick Scott siga siendo nuestra voz en el Senado”