Miami, FL — Ron DeSantis has again continued to focus on his own national politics instead of focusing on Florida families and addressing the skyrocketing housing and rental costs they are facing. CBS recently reported what Florida has felt for too long, that “Florida is the least affordable place to live in the U.S.”
In fact, while Floridians suffer, DeSantis began running TV ads on a far right-wing network to sell yard signs and is selling merchandise targeting GOP voters in states like New York and California. This week, Ron DeSantis also traveled to Nevada to campaign for a Republican U.S. Senate candidate,
Beyond chasing his own national ambition, DeSantis is also spending his time holding $12,800 a day taxpayer-funded special sessions to try to deal with the property insurance crisis that he and Republicans ignored during the regular legislative session in favor of partisan battles that, among other things, increase property taxes on Floridians.
Florida Democratic Party Spokesperson Kobie Christian released the following Statement.
“Ron DeSantis is running TV ads, selling merch, and campaigning in other states while Florida housing costs soar to new heights. DeSantis shamelessly shows over and over again that he is more interested in getting national political attention than doing the bare minimum for Floridians struggling to stay in their homes.”
Read more from CBS news here or key points below.
- In February, Realtor.com designated Miami as America’s least affordable place to live.
- Average monthly rents in the metro area, at $2,930, are on par with San Francisco and Los Angeles — and double the level considered affordable for people in the region, given the local median income.
- The influx is squeezing many long-time residents, especially low-paid service industry workers and older residents on a fixed income. The state explicitly prohibits rent control, which could put a cap on skyrocketing rents.
- Michele DeMoske-Weiss, a retired nurse who lives on a fixed income, is ready to bail after 30 years of living off and on in the state. “I’m leaving as soon as I can get out,” she said.
- For others, including workers in the state’s low-paid tourism sector, leaving is harder. Many working-class families in South Florida say rent hikes could put them on the street.
- Both rents and home costs are growing at dizzying rates, making it that much harder for renters to even consider buying a home.
Image Credits: Ernst Peters/The Ledger
