Ten Democratic members of Congress from Florida wrote to Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) on Monday calling for him to utilize federal assistance to expand COVID-19 testing in the state.
“We urge you to, once again, vocally encourage vaccines and boosters, and stop propagating vaccine and booster messages filled with doubt and indifference,” the letter said, noting that cases in Florida have risen by 948 percent in recent weeks.
The letter also encouraged DeSantis to advocate for widespread testing and to reverse bills that limit local officials and private businesses from policies like mask and vaccine mandates.
“These policies are not based in science and do not protect the health and safety of Floridians,” the letter added.
Democratic Florida Reps. Val Demings, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Kathy Castor, Ted Deutch, Frederica Wilson, Lois Frankel, Charlie Crist, Al Lawson, Stephanie Murphy and Darren Soto signed the letter.