Pay raises for state employees has been a hot-button issue within Florida politics for the length of Scott’s governorship – one for which he was frequently criticized for neglecting.
Last May, Scott finally signed a bill that provided across-the-board pay raises for all state employees. This was the first time in 11 years that such a pay increase was passed without compromise to other benefits.
These efforts made by the Florida Governor could be the result of his looming bid for U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL).
Scott’s unpopularity among state workers may be ameliorated by these measures, but recent polls by the University of North Florida, according to Politico, have Scott trailing Nelson by 6 percent. In order to succeed, Scott may need to inch closer to the center on certain policies.
His close relationship with President Donald Trump, who carried the state by more than 100,000 votes, will also be an advantage.
[/subscribe_to_unlock_form]
