Florida - Tuesday January 17, 2023: Florida House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell took Governor DeSantis to task Tuesday accusing him of ignoring the real needs of Floridians by focusing on culture war issues like ESG.
Driskell spoke to reporters as the Governor and the Trustees of the State Board of Administration formally approved measures to restrict further state investments in companies that have adopted what they deem are "woke environmental, social, and corporate governance," known as ESG.
“What we are witnessing," said Driskell, "with respect to ESG are efforts by this Governor to roll back the clock with respect to corporate policies where you have corporations who are trying to invest money and invest their resources in a way that allows you to do well while doing good.”
She accused the Governor of ignoring real concerns by focusing on culture war issues. “I think that this Governor is trying to divide us and is trying to make these boogie men, and trying to go after, quote, un-quote, ‘woke wall street bankers’ but he’s taking his eye off the ball in terms of what Floridians need most.”
She warned that the crackdown on investments in companies practicing ESG could cost the state millions. “There are estimates that have come out saying that in Florida we could lose over $300 million dollars if we move away from the sort of investments that allow us to earn the interest that we need to keep the state going.”