Daytona Beach, FL - While news that $50 million in state funds will go towards small businesses affected by COVID-19 is welcome to some, one former state representative says that lawmakers need to revisit the plan.
Former District 26 Representative Patrick Henry says that he's happy businesses will receive some relief from the state, but there's still a large chunk that will go without help.
According to Henry, around 38,000 applications have been submitted, but only 1,000 of those applications were accepted, meaning a majority of those who applied won't receive any funding.
In responde, Henry is calling on Governor Ron DeSantis to convene the state legislature before for an emergency session so they may revisit the plan. Henry further added on Twitter that Florida, which has a state budget of $93.2 billion, can do more for small businesses, instead of making them look elsewhere for resources or assistance.
"With the extreme partisan divide and lack of leadership at the Federal level, we cannot put the hopes of our middle class into the hands of the Federal Government," said Henry on Twitter. "We must first do all we can here in Florida and where we fall short, look to the Federal Government to help supplement."
News Daytona Beach has reached out to Henry for further comment. Since then, Henry has reached out to NDB.
