With this week's Florida Supreme Court decisions, abortion access is top of mind for many Florida voters. After the GOP succeeded in overturning Roe v. Wade, Donald Trump and his extreme MAGA Republicans, including FL Senator Rick Scott and Treasure Coast Rep. Bill Posey, continue working to prevent Americans from getting the reproductive health care they need. They are working right now to criminalize abortion nationwide, ban fertility treatments, and even take away access to birth control. Donald Trump and his extreme MAGA Republicans simply cannot be trusted with the health care or personal freedoms of everyday Americans. This November, we must vote YES on Amendment 4 and vote against Rick Scott and Bill Posey.
Florida Is In Play!
Our Indian River Democrats leaders and volunteers have been putting in the work to put Florida in play in the 2024 election. This past week, Florida was honored by a special visit from Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, who stopped by Miami. This visit underscores the narrative that Florida is in play.
Additionally, the Biden campaign announced they are ramping up their presence in Florida, further confirming that the state is a crucial battleground. Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Phillip Jerez, will serve as senior advisor in Florida.
Statement on FL Supreme Court
Abortion Law Ruling
William C. Evans, Chairman of Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County, released the following statement after the April 1 Florida Supreme Court Abortion Law Ruling:
Today, the Florida Supreme Court undermined our personal right to privacy and heavily restricted the freedom of women to make their own personal health care decisions without interference from politicians. This decision triggers a six-week, near-total abortion ban, upholding legislation enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis and his legislative allies. The law now will take effect in just 30 days.
The state’s abortion ban will force women to make a a stark choice: Either travel out of state to access healthcare or carry pregnancies to term even when their health is threatened. Defying public will, Florida lawmakers have voted time and again to restrict abortion, now even banning it as early as six weeks of pregnancy — before many even realize they are pregnant.
Floridians also overwhelmingly oppose prosecuting doctors and patients for giving or receiving abortion care. It is more important than ever to return the power of bodily autonomy to the people. This November, Florida voters must vote YES on the referendum to put these decisions back in the hands of Florida families and their doctors, not extreme politicians.
Earth Day Tabling Event
Democrats of Indian River will host a tented table where volunteers will interact with the community and share voter registration and vote by mail information as well as ways to get involved with our initiatives.This annual event is a community celebration of all things environmental, featuring live entertainment, food & retail vendors, family-friendly activities, environmental organizations, and much much more!
Students and teachers in Florida can now discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms, as long as it’s not part of formal instruction. It’s an important change after a new settlement between state education officials and civil rights attorneys who challenged the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law. Here are some takeaways to highlight from the Don't Say Gay or Trans Lawsuit Settlement Agreement.
Free Expression Restored: Students and teachers can now speak and write freely about sexual orientation and gender identity in classroom participation and assignments.
Anti-Bullying Protections Strengthened: The settlement reinforces safeguards against bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Gay-Straight Alliances Protected: GSAs are officially protected, providing students with essential support and advocacy spaces.
Classroom References Clarified: The law cannot prohibit references to LGBTQ+ individuals, relationships, families, or topics in any educational or extracurricular context.
Library Books: The law does not apply to library books, so long as those books are not being used in the classroom to instruct on the subjects of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Non-Discrimination Assured: Targeting LGBTQ+ persons, couples, families, or issues under the guise of this law is explicitly forbidden.
Extracurricular Activities Protected: Participation in and support of LGBTQ+ student clubs and cultural presentations remain unaffected.
You can access the Inactive Dems phone bank any day of the week from 10am to 8pm EST. Join Florida Dems every Tuesday evening at 6pm EST for a brief training, should you need it, and to make calls together. Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far!
We need your help! Our voter registration team leaders are eager to meet you. Pop into the office Monday at 11:30 a.m. to learn how you can join the team and register voters across Indian River County. Our team leaders will be available to answer any questions and help you get started.
Democrats of Indian River is currently seeking to strengthen our committees that interact with the community and participate in local government meetings. We are searching for individuals to spearhead the following teams:
Get Out The Vote (phone/text banking)
Poll Watching
Vero Beach City Council
Sebastian City Council
Fellsmere City Council
Indian River County Commission
Indian River Neighborhood Association
To learn more about these positions, please contact the Democrats of Indian River office at 772-226-5267.
If you are interested in contributing Letters to the Editor (LTEs) and Op-eds on crucial issues within our community and would like to join our Editorial Team, please complete this volunteer form.
Passionate about politics and skilled in crafting engaging social media content to drive online engagement? If so, we want you to join our team! As we gear up for the 2024 election year, we're on the lookout for a talented and dedicated Social Media Intern to help us spread our message, engage with voters, and amplify our impact online. This is a part-time, paid internship opportunity. To apply for the Social Media Intern position, please send your resume to [email protected].
DWC Annual Scholarship Luncheon at Bent Pine Saturday April 13 at 11:30 a.m. Speaker will be Dr. Angie Bailey, Business Professor, IRSC 6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32967
Non member guests are invited to attend. The cost is $35, payable at the door by cash or check. Please RSVP by Wednesday April 10 to DemLunch @aol.com and include your meal choice: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Breast, Parmesan Crusted Salmon with Tomato Onion Chutney or Vegetarian Plate. Valet Parking will be limited to arrival from 11:15 until noon & departure from 1:30 to 2:15.
DWC Book Group Meeting Friday April 26, 2024 2 - 4 p.m. Bjorkman Room at Brackett Library on IRSC Mueller Campus
We will discuss, "Whole: Re-Thinking the Science of Nutrition"
By: T. Colin Campbell and Howard Jacobsen (2013)
