UNMasking DeSantis

Capitol Update - Tallahassee April 15-19

The Florida Legislature has completed the first five weeks of its eight-week session.  For a recap of actions taken to date and for a preview of the remaining weeks, you might find this  Article to be of interest.

The bills listed below have received favorable votes in all of their assigned committee hearings and have been placed on Special Order calendars in their respective chambers for votes as early as this Wednesday, April 17.

Contact your Representative and urge that he or she vote in accordance with suggested recommendations and talking points for the following.

Vote YES    HB 1 - Ethics Reform              This bill implements ethics reforms and addresses conflicts of interest.

Vote YES    HB 171 - Infectious Disease Elimination Programs    The pilot program has proven effective in reducing opioid deaths and overdoses. Clean needle and syringe exchanges can also prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases among intravenous drug users.

Vote NO     HB 1335 - Abortion      Creates the "Parental Consent for Abortion Act".  Laws requiring a young woman to further involve parents put her health and safety at risk and fail to increase family communication.

Vote NO     HB 7093 - School Safety        An overwhelming body of evidence indicates that arming teachers puts children and the school community at a greater risk of gun violence in our schools and would impede the response of law enforcement to an active shooter incident. Instead, our leaders should be passing measures proven effective at reducing gun violence, like closing the background check loophole by requiring a background check on all gun sales in Florida.

Vote YES    SB 366 - Infectious Disease Elimination Programs    The pilot program has proven effective in reducing opioid deaths and overdoses. Clean needle and syringe exchanges can also prevent the transmission of HIV, AIDS, viral hepatitis and other blood-borne diseases among intravenous drug users.

(Note: SB 366 passed in the Senate and is now on the House Special Order Calendar as there is no companion bill)

Contact your Senator and urge that he or she vote in accordance with suggested recommendations and talking points for the following.

Vote YES    SB 322 - Preexisting Conditions     Prohibits insurers or health maintenance organizations from excluding or delaying coverage due to preexisting medical conditions. Affordable health care sustains families and improves quality of life for all.

Here’s another article of possible interest that discusses budget priorities and differences between House and Senate Budget bills.