The Florida Democratic Party announced last month that it was returning at least $780,000 in small-business loans it received through the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) after enduring criticism from state Democrats and Republicans alike for taking the small business loans.
The state party applied for the loan in March, right after Congress passed the $670 billion PPP initiative, even though there was discussion at the time that the money should go to neither lobbyists nor political causes. When financial disclosures became available to the public, our own Democratic lawmakers and activists criticized the acceptance of the money.
The loan came even after state Democratic chair Terrie Rizzo called the PPP a “disaster” because it funneled money to big business. The forgivable loans were meant to help small businesses keep paying staff during the coronavirus pandemic.
At the local level, the Seminole County Democratic Party leaders were angered and frustrated by this unethical and possibly illegal request of funds.
SemDems Chair Brittany Nethers states, “Our County Party leaders and candidates were not made aware of the Florida Democratic Party’s intent to request these funds, nor did we feel it appropriate to request any financial support of a similar nature at the local level. These funds are intended to help struggling small businesses during this time of crisis, not political parties or large organizations. I’m glad this was called out and the funds are being returned.”
The Seminole County Democratic Party, although a branch of the Florida Democratic Party, differs in that the County Party functions on a 100% volunteer basis, whereas, the State Party maintain regular paid staff.
Republicans are also using this error by the state Democratic Party to target attacks on our local Democratic candidates right here in Seminole County. One local candidate received support from Senate Victory, a group of elected Democrats currently in the Florida Senate who help to get other Democrats elected. This is different than receiving funds directly from the Florida Democratic Party, but this will not stop Republicans from grouping us all together come November.
Nethers goes on to state, “It’s a shame that our local candidates and elected officials will be held accountable for the Florida Democratic Party’s actions. Republicans will definitely be using this against us here in Seminole County to attempt to sway voters this November.”
All financials are public record, and any details about where funds come from can be easily found on the Florida Department of Elections website.