FLORIDA: Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill That Outlaws Paid Sick Leave Votes

GOP Florida Gov. Rick Scott has signed a bill that forbids local governments from enacting mandatory paid sick leave measures for businesses.

Scott rejected calls by progressives and South Florida leaders for him to veto it. With other parts of the country, such as New York City, San Francisco and Seattle, passing similar sick-time measures, it's an issue that now has a national scope. In Florida, it could be used by Democrats as a political weapon next year. U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Weston, chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, asked for a veto this week, noting the bill hit women hardest because they are more often unable to call in sick or care for ill children. "The fight for earned sick time will continue," said Stephanie Porta of Organize Now in a statement. "Floridians believe in earned sick time for hardworking families, and we don't give up when we believe in something."

The bill had the backing of Walt Disney World, the Orlando-based Darden Restaurants, which owns Red Lobster and Olive Garden, and ALEC, the right wing lobbying group that literally writes conservative legislation across the country. Orange County, home to Orlando, was scheduled to hold a public referendum on paid sick leave next year.