At the start of a new month on Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., called for states to offer help to Americans and small businesses hurt during the coronavirus crisis.

Scott called for the states to launch moratoriums on a host of financial transactions including mortgage and credit card payments.

“Today is April 1, and so many across our nation are struggling to pay their rent, mortgage and other financial obligations,” Scott said on Tuesday. “Congress passed a moratorium on evictions, which will provide much-needed relief and peace of mind for many Americans.

Having served as governor of Florida for eight years, Scott called on states to follow Congress’ lead.

“Today, I’m calling on all governors in the nation to do everything they can to implement moratoriums on financial payments, including rent, mortgages, credit card payments, taxes, and utilities,” Scott said. “I thank the many governors that have taken action to prevent evictions and foreclosures in their states. But we have to go even further to provide much-needed relief for Americans – and we have to do it today.”

Scott’s office weighed in on the limitations of the $2.2 federal stimulus Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law last week. While offering some criticisms of the stimulus package, Scott voted for it.

“The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act just passed by Congress includes a nationwide moratorium on evictions, but doesn’t go far enough. As part of his 30-day plan for Americans to get back to their daily lives, Senator Scott called for a moratorium on financial payments, including rent, mortgages, credit card payments, taxes, and utilities,” Scott’s office noted.

Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.