DEO Secretary Says Rep. Wasserman Schultz ‘Misinforms’ About Florida’s Efforts to Send Money to Vulnerable Homeowners

By Lydia Nusbaum

Published Jun. 28, 2022, 1:58 p.m. ET | Updated Jun. 28, 2022

(Ron DeSantis/Twitter)

June 28, 2022 Updated 2:00 P.M. ET

MIAMI (FLV) – Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Secretary Dane Eagle said U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, misinformed constituents by claiming Florida was not efficiently dispersing housing funds when Florida leads the nation in providing these dollars to vulnerable homeowners.

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Florida, said Florida is not doing enough with Florida’s $676 million Housing Assistance Fund. Schultz claimed in a press conference that only a fraction of the funds has been dispersed to homeowners.

“We did that last year in March, yet Governor DeSantis has only dispersed 16% of available funding to families. Let that sink in for a moment,” said Wasserman Schultz.

However, Secretary Eagle said Florida is leading the nation in providing funds to vulnerable homeowners, giving more than $11 million to 4080 homeowners.

“It’s unfortunate when an elected official misinforms constituents, especially when it discourages them from receiving critical assistance,” Eagle said.

2/7 This means Florida – despite the delayed federal approval of Florida’s HAF program – is outperforming every state, including California and New York, on an expedited timeline. You said we aren’t getting the word out about Florida HAF — @FLDEO has:
— Dane Eagle (@DaneEagle) June 28, 2022

Wasserman Schultz said Florida took a while to submit its plan on how to use the money. She also said people are not aware that they can apply for the money.

“Not enough families know that this money is available to them,” Wasserman Schultz said. “It’s just unconscionable that the Governor has not fixed the problem with DEO, and even more unconscionable that he’s not letting homeowners know that they have this assistance available.”

.@HouseDemocrats sent $676M in Homeowners Assistance Funds to help #FLA families pay mortgages, taxes & utilities. But too few know $$ is available + @GovRonDeSantis is too slow to deliver it. I met struggling homeowners to highlight help is here. Contact: https://t.co/HGaArWEGfg pic.twitter.com/oNZ0SGuypl
— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) June 27, 2022

Secretary Eagle proceeded to list how the state worked with groups to spread the news regarding the federal funds including more than 100 local partners, 220 faith-based organizations, and the Florida Urban League Affiliates network. He said they hosted 140 outreach events since May, conducted canvassing, information booths and speaking opportunities.

“The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is committed to serving as many Florida homeowners in need as possible, prioritizing the most vulnerable until the available funding is exhausted,” Eagle said.