What’s Happening:
It appears there has been a long history of conflict between the Biden White House and the state of Florida. During the pandemic, Gov. Ron DeSantis accused the administration of withholding live-saving treatment, over the state’s vaccine policies.
The Biden administration has tried to compel states to embrace several leftist policies, on threat of withholding needed support. The White House threatened school lunches from states that did not support its transgender rules.
Just recently, Florida passed a law that sought to protect workers from labor unions. In response, the administration appeared to deny the state federal grants. And now, Florida is pushing back.
From Fox News:
The Florida state government has launched a lawsuit against President Biden’s administration for allegedly withholding federal grants over state union laws…“Biden, intent on driving our country into the ground, continues to try to force states to implement his bad policies.” […]
Moody accuses the Biden administration of withholding over $800 million worth of funding for transportation over the laws.
Last May, Florida passed a law banning unions from taking dues from workers’ paychecks. Union members will have to voluntarily make payments to a union. The law also requires unions to prove at least 60% of its members are paying dues when seeking to serve as bargaining agents.
It appears this law put power back into the hands of workers, giving them the choice of joining a union. Critics have long slammed unions for taking advantage of workers, denying them the very rights they claimed to provide.
After this bill was passed, Florida claims the Biden administration refused to provide $800 million in funding for transportation. Florida’s Attorney General Ashley Moody has sued the federal government, claiming Biden is trying to “punish” Florida.
Democrats have long claimed to be the party of unions. But in recent weeks, Biden has been hit with numerous workers strikes. Some of these strikes, like the one started by the UAW, were allegedly brought on by Biden’s economic policies.
It is possible that Biden is trying to lean on Florida, to protect the interests of powerful unions. However, denying funding for transportation could be illegal, as this funding appears to be in no way connected to unions.
Florida will have to prove Biden did this in retaliation. And the administration will have to explain why it withheld this funding.
Key Takeaways:
- Florida has sued the Biden administration over withheld funds.
- The state is accusing Biden of doing this over an anti-union law.
- A state law was passed that restricts how unions collect dues from members.
Source: Fox News