Ryan Nicol
Sen. Rick Scott says he’ll be joined by Parkland parent Andrew Pollack at Tuesday night’s State of the Union (SOTU) address.
Pollack lost his 18-year-old daughter, Meadow, during last year’s shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Meadow was one of 17 people killed, while 17 others were injured.
After her death, Pollack has worked to improve school safety in Broward County and around the state. Scott referenced Pollack’s work in a statement announcing the invite.
“Since the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas last year, I have gotten to know Andy and his family, and I have been humbled to see their dedication to improving our state in honor of Andy’s daughter, Meadow,” Scott said.
“I worked closely with Andy to pass the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act, and I will continue to work with him in Washington to improve our schools and make sure our students are kept safe. I am honored to have Andy as my guest at the State of the Union, and will never stop fighting for the safety of our children.”
As Governor, Scott also appointed Pollack to the state Board of Education, which oversees Florida’s schools, in early January.
“My daughter gives me the strength to keep fighting every day for what is right — and that’s protecting our kids and teachers in school,” Pollack said.
“Sen. Rick Scott truly puts people above politics, and I’m thrilled to have a partner in Washington that gets what’s important. I’m proud to join Sen. Scott at the State of the Union, and I look forward to working with him to secure every school in America so no family has to experience the same tragedy as mine.”
Gov. Ron DeSantis rescinded Pollack’s appointment to the Board of Education, along with 45 other lame duck appointments made by Scott.
However, DeSantis has said those nominees are encouraged to re-apply for their respective positions.
Pollack says he believes DeSantis, who Pollack endorsed during the 2018 gubernatorial campaign, will re-appoint him to the post.
