Blog 11 [Make up]

Governors during the pandemic

The executive office of many states has become the day in day out, most important office for the people. How their state executive has chosen to deal with the pandemic has certainly had an effect on peoples lives. To that end, the pandemic has shown just how intense intra-state political rivalries go, even at the peak of a health  crisis. 

Example 1: "Despite the difficulties in dealing with the legislature, most governors dominate the policy agenda, usually by working hand in hand with legislative leaders. The governor's influence begins with the State of the State address, which kicks off each new legislative session, and strong influence continues with the annual budget mes­sage." (152) 

While this topic is not a direct reaction to the Pandemic, the make up of this years budget will certainly be influenced by Pandemic. Therefore I thought the unveiling of California's newest budget could serve as a perfect example of how a governor works with their legislative majority. This budget fits as the example because it addresses many issues that were high priority for left leaning Californians. The budget "calls for significant spending increases for five priorities: economic relief for hardship stemming from the state’s business restrictions during the pandemic; homelessness and housing affordability; improving public education after extensive school closures; transportation; and wildfires fueled by a warming climate." Again this budget works as an example because Governor Newsome is addressing the Pandemic in part of the budget, and addressing long term state benchmarks with others. To do this he had to work with both rural (fire safety) and urban (housing/homelessness) democrats to understand and develop this diverse and healthy budget.

Example 2: "As chief executive of the state, the governor is (in name, at least) in charge of the operations of numerous agencies, departments, boards, and commissions. In the view of many voters, the governor is directly responsible not only for piv­otal matters such as the condition of the state's economy but also for mundane concerns such as clearing snow off state highways in a timely manner." (153) 

"There will not be limitations, from the state of Florida,"- Governor Ron DeSantis (September 2020)

This is actually where each states response to the Pandemic is found, within the various state agencies, who take their lead from the governor. Which in the case of Florida, has been a "mixed" bag depending on who you ask. Regardless of who you ask about their feelings of Ron DeSantis, one thing is certain, he was not indecisive in his leadership of Florida. DeSantis went against the CDC and public health experts when issuing his ease of restrictions. The move also handcuffed any rebellious leaning municipalities from issuing more strict guidelines. "DeSantis' order says no Covid-19 emergency ordinance can prevent a person from working or from operating a business. Local governments are unable to limit restaurants to less than 50% capacity under DeSantis' new order, even with local government Covid-19 emergency orders."

Example 3: By claiming the top elected post in the state, the governor becomes the highest-ranking member of his or her political party. (156)

Again we go to Flordia for Governor DeSantis, but this time for another reason. His rising stock within the National party, as a result of his role as rebellious governor. DeSantis has on top of his Covid restrictions helped usher along and then signed an "anti rioting" bill in the aftermath of George Floyd protests, and ushered in another voter restriction bill. All of which showcase his ability to also accomplish major Republican goals. All of which has prompted the Pennsylvania GOP to reach out to DeSantis to help consult them for the future. Showcasing how state party leadership share ideas, and then take them to the federal level.

DeSantis in demand: Florida governor to meet with Pennsylvania GOP group