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Sen. Rick Scott explains support for government efficiency department

Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., speaks at a campaign watch party on election night Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, in Bonita Springs, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In a recent conversation on This Week in Jacksonville, Senator Rick Scott shared his thoughts on the idea of establishing a Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to identify areas where federal spending could be reduced.

It’s a concept that resonates with Scott’s background in business and government.

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Reflecting on his experience, Scott noted, “I’ve run the biggest company of anybody in the history of the Senate.”

He emphasized that success in business often comes from meeting customer needs efficiently while maintaining high quality. Scott sees parallels between this business approach and the potential for government efficiency. He mentioned key figures in the DOGE proposal like Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who plan to apply business principles to government operations. “They’re bringing their business ideas to government and saying, ‘Hey, you can do this less expensively,’” Scott explained.

Scott highlighted Musk’s achievements in the aerospace sector as an example of cost-effective innovation. “Look at what Musk has done with regard to sending satellites up,” he said. “Dramatically cheaper than the federal government and it works.” He also praised Ramaswamy’s business acumen and expressed optimism about the potential for significant savings and improved government operations.

Drawing on his tenure as governor, Scott shared his track record of reducing regulations and taxes. “I got rid of about 20% of the regulations in the state. I streamlined the permitting process. I cut taxes 100 times,” he recounted. These efforts, according to Scott, led to the creation of 1.7 million jobs without expanding government. “We don’t need more government,” he asserted. “I want to get people to work.”

Scott’s comments underscore his belief in the benefits of a leaner government and the importance of job creation. As discussions about the proposed DOGE continue, Scott’s insights offer a perspective rooted in both business and public service.


About the Author
Kent Justice headshot

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.

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