This Tuesday, eight Republicans joined all the Democrats who were present to remove House Speaker Kevin McCarthy by a 216-210 vote. Indian River County's Representative Bill Posey voted no. The only Florida Republican to vote for his ouster was Rep. Matt Gaetz, the leader of the rebellion.
Central Florida Democrats Darren Soto and Maxwell Frost voted yes. “You reap what you sow, and Kevin McCarthy has only himself to blame,” Frost said in a statement, adding that Democrats plan to support their leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, to replace him. Democrats are united, while Matt Gaetz and his fellow extremists have taken over the Republican Party and are wasting taxpayer dollars on political stunts.
FL Gun Bill Update
We need reasonable regulations that ensure our communities are safe and give Floridians peace-of-mind that we can be free to go about our daily lives. Following the Parkland massacre, Florida’s lawmakers passed a three day mandatory waiting period to purchase firearms which studies show have proven to lower the rates of suicide and lead to a decrease in gun homicides. In addition to a three day waiting period, an overwhelming majority of Floridians (76%) support requiring background checks on all gun sales and transfers of firearms.
Now, bill HB 17 has been filed to reverse the little progress Florida made on gun safety. Instead of allowing a complete background check and requiring 3 days between the purchase and delivery of a firearm, bill HB 17 “Expiration of the Mandatory Waiting Period for Firearms Purchases”, would reopen a loophole that was closed in response to the Parkland school shooting. This bill would only make it easier for criminals to access guns and terrorize our communities by circumventing either a complete background check or the 3 day minimum mandatory waiting period. This bill puts lives at risk. Our state lawmakers should prioritize ensuring the safety of Indian River County residents and families by working to reject the advancement of HB 17.
Could even more bad gun bills be filed? Gun control advocates are expressing concern as the National Foundation for Gun Rights demands the restoration of open carry rights in Florida. The group is calling on Governor Ron DeSantis, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and state lawmakers to reverse the ban on openly carrying firearms, arguing that the state's current laws are unconstitutional. Open carry would pose significant dangers to public safety. Florida had the opportunity to change these laws when considering permitless concealed carry, but lawmakers refrained from doing so. The group threatens legal action if open carry is not reinstated, raising fears among those concerned about protecting public safety.
Sign the petition for the right to clean and healthy waters HERE.
Sign the petition to put abortion access on Florida's ballot HERE. Then, ask others to sign the petition too. We have copies for you at our office.
Petitions can be dropped off or signed in person at our office located at 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7, in Vero Beach.
The Taxpayers’ Association Of Indian River County luncheon at 12:00 p.m. on October 12th at Captain Hiram's Tiffany Room in Sebastian, FL, will feature a candidate forum for the Sebastian City Council election. Six candidates are vying for three seats. Submit your questions online. RSVP and prepay ($25 per person) HERE.
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE
Democratic Executive Committee
Steering Meeting
Wednesday October 18, 2023 5 p.m. zoom meeting
DEC Meeting Thursday October 26, 2023 6 p.m. Note Location Change: Vero Beach Library
Democratic Club of Indian River Meeting Thursday, October 19, 2023 6 p.m. Location TBD
Join our club or pay dues HERE. Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE.
Saturday October 14, 2023 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Latoya Bullard, CEO of Mrs. B's Learning Bees, a non-profit after school tutoring and behavioral services program will be the speaker.
Non member guests are invited to attend. $30, payable at the door by cash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday October 11 & include your meal choice: Herb Crusted Chicken Breast in Cacciatore Sauce, Lightly Blackened Mahi with Mango Salsa or Vegetarian Plate.
RSVP to [email protected] or text Julie Barone (718) 916-0682.
DWC Book Group Friday October 27, 2023 2 - 4 p.m. Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus
We will discuss, “Justice, Justice Thou Shalt Pursue: A Life’s Work Fighting For
A More Perfect Union” By Ruth Bader Ginsberg & Amanda Tyler
