Marco Rubio - U.S. Senate - 2010

Miami, FL - U.S. Senate candidate Marco Rubio released the following statement regarding today’s new report showing unemployment in Florida rose to 11.8 percent last month, the highest level in 34 years:

“Today’s news is devastating to Floridians without work who are looking for glimmers of hope in our economy. With 1,087,000 Floridians now unemployed, it’s clear the agenda pursued by President Obama and his allies, particularly the $787 billion stimulus, has failed the people of Florida. In fact, I firmly believe the stimulus has not only failed to stimulate the economy, but has actually had the opposite effect by acting like an anchor holding down and preventing a quicker recovery.

“The stimulus, which my opponent insists he will not apologize for supporting, has been an abysmal failure because it has put bigger government and more spending ahead of broad-based tax relief and market-based incentives for entrepreneurs, families and businesses. Moreover, the massive debt that has come as a result of the stimulus and the bellicose statements coming from the Obama White House against entrepreneurs and job creators are creating uncertainty and anxiety which will only prolong our economic challenges.

“Despite the considerable challenges facing Florida’s families during this difficult time, I am absolutely confident that once the right policies are put in place and the genius and character of the American entrepreneur is again unleashed, our state and nation will get on track towards a quicker and more robust recovery. Our campaign is about giving further voice to the millions of Floridians who are united in their opposition to higher taxes, more borrowing and runaway reckless spending, while providing a real path to prosperity based on the proven free market principles our country was founded upon.”