Days after being named leader of the U.S. task force against the coronavirus, Pence will take time off to address the conservative Club for Growth conference and fundraise in Florida. This is not the first time Pence has been reckless with a possible pandemic, Indiana experienced its worst HIV outbreak in history on his watch. Pence’s fundraising mission comes on the heels of a whistleblower complaint regarding poor training and protection for Department of Health and Human Services workers aiding coronavirus evacuees.

In response, FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo, US Rep. Donna Shalala, US Rep. Lois Frankel, and Sarasota State Rep. Margaret Good released statements condemning the Vice President for not taking this role more seriously.

FDP Chair Terrie Rizzo:

“The Trump administration’s backwards priorities are on full display — Pence is coming to fundraise in Florida two days after being appointed to lead our national response on the coronavirus. Trump’s carelessness with our health and safety is deeply alarming.”

US Rep Lois Frankel, FL-21:

“After being put in charge of the administration’s coronavirus response, Pence should be focused on addressing this global health emergency — not fleeing DC to fundraise. His pitch will be the same nonsense we’ve heard before. Floridians know the real impact of Trump’s tax scam is massive handouts for corporations and the ultra wealthy at the expense of hardworking American families.”

US Rep Donna Shalala, FL-27:

“Rather than focusing his attention on leading the country’s response to the growing coronavirus concern, Vice President Pence is instead spending his time flying to and from fundraisers. The people of America deserve an effective and coordinated response.”

State Rep. Margaret Good, HD-72; candidate for Florida’s 16th Congressional District:

“Vice President Pence is turning his back on the health and safety of the American people just like Vern Buchanan did when he voted again and again to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. He is coming to Sarasota because National Republicans know that Vern is in trouble — and they’re terrified of losing this seat and in their attempt to save Vern, they’re risking the health and safety of the American people.”