Frank Russo Calls on Elon Musk to Invest $250 Million for Florida's Future Workers

Independent candidate for Florida Governor, Frank Russo, has called on tech billionaire Elon Musk and other wealthy Floridians to invest in the state’s future workforce. Russo is advocating for a $1 billion fund aimed at supporting Florida students pursuing careers in manufacturing, skilled trades, and space-industry jobs.

In a statement, Russo emphasized the importance of investing in young Floridians who will drive the state’s economic growth. “Florida celebrates the athlete who can throw a football, and we should. But what about the kid who can weld the rocket, wire the building, or manufacture the next generation of technology?” Russo said. “Those young people are critical to Florida’s future. They deserve opportunity, investment, and a reason to build their future right here in Florida.”

Russo is specifically targeting Musk, who has a significant presence in Florida due to his aerospace operations in the state. “Elon Musk launches rockets from our Space Coast. Those rockets don't get into the sky without welders, electricians, engineers, technicians, and thousands of skilled workers,” Russo said. “So I'm asking Elon to help us find and train the next generation of them. Put $250 million on the table. I'll challenge Florida's other billionaires and successful businesses to step up with him, and let's build this to $1 billion.”

Musk has a history of supporting education and community development. In 2022, he announced a $20 million donation to schools in Cameron County, Texas, home to SpaceX's Starbase operations, with early funding supporting STEM and career and technical education programs. Additionally, the Elon Musk Foundation has contributed millions to Khan Academy.

Russo believes that private capital can help address the skilled labor shortage in Florida, particularly in manufacturing, welding, electrical work, advanced technology, engineering, and the growing space industry. “Elon has already shown that he believes in investing in education and in communities where his companies are helping build the future,” Russo said. “This isn't about criticizing Elon. I'm asking him to lead again, this time in Florida.”

Under Russo’s proposal, students pursuing qualified manufacturing programs, trade certifications, apprenticeships, engineering programs, and space and advanced-technology careers could receive grants to help pay for education and training. Russo also stressed that the fund would not be another government bureaucracy or taxpayer-funded program. “No new bureaucracy. No politicians deciding who gets what. No taxpayer money,” he said. “Bring successful people together, make the fund transparent and accountable, and put the money directly toward helping young Floridians develop skills that can change their lives.”

Russo’s initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure that Florida’s economic growth creates opportunities for its young residents. “We keep talking about Florida being the future. Then let's invest in the Floridians who are actually going to build it. Give a young person a skill, give them an opportunity, and give them a reason to stay here. That's how we build a stronger Florida,” Russo said.

Russo, a lifelong Floridian and entrepreneur, is running for Governor with a platform focused on affordability, economic strength, and practical solutions that put Floridians first.