Scott Issues First Executive Orders
TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) - Governor Rick Scott now leading the state as Florida's 45th governor celebrated his first moments in elected office – and he's promising to make good on his campaign pledge.
Just minutes after assuming office, Scott signed executive orders Tuesday that froze rule-making and contracts of more than $1 million as well as ordering state agencies to use the federal E-Verify system to determine if current or prospective employees are illegal immigrants.
"We will conduct a top to bottom review of all state regulations and weed out unnecessary ones that hinder job creation," said Scott, speaking to a crowd in Tallahassee.
Scott signed a total of four executive orders including one that adopts a tougher ethics code and reaffirms Scott's commitment to maintaining an office of open government.
Another executive order reaffirms a ban on hiring discrimination based on race, gender, creed, color, or national origin.
Some protesters who showed up at Tuesday's inauguration are concerned that some of Scott's sweeping orders would hurt the state more than help it.
"I'm worried at him looking at all the regulations, because a lot of our regulations protect the shoreline, protect our food, protect our water, protect our housing structures," said protester Marion Banzhaf.
Gov. Scott also laid out his plan focusing on what the state needs to do to make sure it is financially stable in the future.
"We need to manufacture more things in Florida. We need to capitalize on our geographical location as the natural connector and distribution hub for the growing economies of Central and South America," said Gov. Scott. "The State of Florida raises enough revenues to meet its needs. It has to focus on spending those revenues smarter, setting better priorities and demanding more accountability."
While Scott was issuing his first set of orders as governor, former Governor Charlie Crist said that he would be returning home and then determine his future plans. When asked about those plans, Crist replied, "stay tuned."
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