California's Governor Throws Shade at Florida's

In one of the least welcoming welcome letters ever penned, California Gov. Jerry Brown wrote Florida Governor Rick Scott Monday, as the Sunshine State governor visits the Golden State in hopes of luring businesses east.

“I’m writing to welcome you back to California – a state that in the last year has added more jobs than Florida and Texas combined,” opens Brown.

That’s the friendly part.

Brown goes on, “Rick, a fact you’d like to ignore: California is the 7th largest economic power in the world. We’re competing with nations like Brazil and France, not states like Florida."

Scott’s office has not returned Patch requests for comment on Brown’s letter.

In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Scott admitted he thinks California’s $15 minimum wage gives him an opening to attract California businesses to Florida.

“If you’re truly serious about Florida’s economic wellbeing, it’s time to stop the silly political stunts and start doing something about climate change – two words you won’t even let state officials say,” Brown chastised Scott. “The threat is real and so too will be the devastating impacts.”

To help Gov. Scott get a handle on the risk climate change poses to his own state, Brown kindly included a link to a report noting that Florida faces more catastrophic flooding from rising sea levels than any other state.

“The report also notes that Florida’s economy could suffer billions of dollars in additional losses as labor productivity drops and storm damage mounts due to extreme weather events,” concludes Brown. “So, while you’re enjoying a stroll on one of California’s beautiful beaches this week, don’t stick your head in the sand. Take a few minutes to read the rest of this report. There’s no time to waste.”

Photo: Courtesy of Freedom To Marry on www.flickr.com