Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by YES Market Media
Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has come under fire for allegedly appropriating an investment scheme that resulted from a measure that President Joe Biden approved.
The presidential candidate DeSantis announced on Tuesday that he will be giving $28 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to five workforce development projects in the Sunshine State that will increase semiconductor and chip production.
“Today’s awards will expand Florida’s manufacturing industry and provide high-quality jobs for Floridians,” DeSantis said in a statement. “In Florida, we are laying the groundwork for a strong economic future by investing in growing, high-demand industries that offer high-wage jobs for our residents.”
Many social media users noted that the funds arrived after Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act in August 2022 while spreading the announcement on X, formerly Twitter. The law aims to increase American semiconductor R&D and production in order to strengthen U.S. manufacturing and technological competitiveness face-to-face with China. At the time, the White House claimed that the United States relied on the 75 percent of semiconductors produced globally by East Asia, producing only 10% of the world’s supply of semiconductors (not including the most advanced chips).
Although DeSantis and Biden have previously set aside their differences in politics to collaborate during natural catastrophes that affected Florida, the governor makes no mention of the president’s signature on the measure in either his official statement or social media posts. For a response, Newsweek emailed DeSantis’ office on Friday.
DeSantis received backlash on social media for neglecting to recognize Biden’s contribution to Florida receiving the millions of dollars through the Job Growth Grant Fund for use in the state’s semiconductor and chip manufacturing industry.
“Thank you @POTUS for signing the CHIPS and Science Act!” In reaction to DeSantis’ declaration, Democratic National Committee member Nikki Barnes wrote a post on X.
MeidasTouch, a liberal news website co-founded by Ben Meiselas, posted: “No shame. Not modest. Not in the slightest because of where the money came from President Biden’s initiatives.”
Other social media users pointed out that when the CHIPS Act was brought before the upper chamber in July of last year, Republican senators from Florida, Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, both voted against it. On a vote of 64–33, the law was approved; 17 Republicans voted in favor of the Democratic majority.
NeoCity Osceola County, Valencia College, Santa Fe College, Lake Technical College, and Eastern Florida State College are the five projects that will split the $28 million cash, according to DeSantis’ office.
“Less than two months ago, Governor DeSantis called for Job Growth Grant Fund applications to strengthen Florida’s semiconductor manufacturing industry and to enhance its workforce—our partners in economic development and workforce education around the state responded overwhelmingly,” J. Alex Kelly, the Commerce Secretary, said in a press release.
“Today’s awards provide more education options for the learner’s benefit and ensure that crucial industries have qualified and eager candidates interested in working in their field,” Kelly added.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
