Crist Promises Change Through Executive Orders

Former Gov. Charlie Crist wants his old job back and he’s promising change through the stroke of a pen to get it.

In a Tuesday announcement, Crist vowed to sign five executive orders on day one of his administration if Florida voters put him back in the governor’s office in November.

According to Bay News 9, the orders he’s eyeing include:

- Raising the minimum wage for state contractors to $10.10 an hour, up from the state’s standard $7.93

- Banning discrimination against gay and transgender employees at state agencies and companies they contract with

- Requiring equal pay for women

- Requiring state contractors to hire Florida companies, when feasible, to serve as subcontractors

- Requiring state agencies to provide public records to citizens at the lowest cost possible

Crist has even set an agenda for his first day in office if elected. The schedule for Jan. 6, 2015, is posted on his campaign website and begins with the inauguration at noon, followed by the signing of the first five executive orders.

Florida Republican leaders fired back at Crist by issuing a statement signed by legislative leaders.

“Crist is lifting a dangerous page from President Obama’s playbook, saying he will do an end-run around the people’s elected representatives and single-handedly mandate policies through executive order,” the statement says, according to The Tampa Tribune.

Crist faces Nan Rich in the Aug. 26 primary. The general election is Nov. 4.

What do you think about the proposed executive orders? Tell us by commenting below!