Nikki Fried Rolls Out Massive Plan to Make Florida Affordable for Seniors in 2023

“I’ve stood up my whole life for those who have needed a fighter,” said Fried. So now the only statewide elected Democrat is rolling out a plan to alleviate the high cost of living for seniors.

With the high cost of gas, rents soaring, and COVID-induced supply chain disruptions making it difficult to find some items and driving up consumer prices, many Florida seniors are facing a serious affordability crisis.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried, who is running in November against Gov. Ron DeSantis, is rolling out a plan that she says will help alleviate the high cost of living for seniors, many who are retired and on a fixed income.

“Few are bearing the brunt of this economic crisis more than Florida’s seniors,” said Fried, the only statewide elected Democrat in Florida, during her Lower Costs, Higher Standards tour.

A Focus on the People

It is not a secret that Florida has become unaffordable for many. Yet the state’s $112.1 billion budget includes little money for affordable housing. Also, instead of providing immediate relief at the gas pumps, DeSantis has decided October will be the only gas tax holiday month, suggesting to many that this is because it will aid him in the November election, and that the governor stands up for donor-inspired policies.

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A strong vocal opponent of DeSantis, Fried has cast the Republican incumbent as a dictator who is destroying Democracy in Florida and making the state unaffordable by favoring special interests instead of focusing on the people.

“Instead of using our massive budget surplus for special interest projects like Ron DeSantis [does], we’re going to […] lower the cost of living and health care, and also protect seniors with a new Seniors Bill of Rights,” Fried said.

‘Practical, Affordable’ Solutions

During her Lower Costs, Higher Standards tour, Fried is proposing to give Florida seniors a $1 billion rebate in 2023. The plan includes:

• Improving senior transportation options.

• Lowering prescription drug costs.

• Cutting wait times for senior services.

• Establishing a stronger long-term care ombudsman program.

“This plan offers the practical, affordable, and immediate solutions our seniors need,” said Fried, who has been traveling across the Sunshine State listening to Floridians’ concerns. “Our seniors deserve no less than the best from our government, and I’m ready to get to work on day one making their lives better,” she added.