Another week of the 2021 legislative session is complete! It was a busy one that included committee meetings, bill presentations, controversial votes, and lots of debate on the House floor.
But first, an important update regarding COVID-19 vaccines, Governor DeSantis has announced that all Floridians aged 40 and over will be eligible for vaccination beginning Monday, March 29th. All Floridians aged 18 and over will be eligible the following week, Monday, April 5th. Click here to learn more.
On Tuesday, I presented my bill, HB 429, the "Purple Star Campuses Act," to the Secondary Education & Career Development Subcommittee, and it passed with a unanimous vote! Thank you to everyone who emailed or called members of the subcommittee. Watch my presentation:
Next, HB 429 will be heard by the Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.
More exciting legislative updates! HB 1097, the bill I introduced to improve veterans' healthcare, has cleared all committee stops and is ready for a vote on the House floor. Also, my appropriations requests are moving forward, meaning District 59 will receive critically needed funding.
Later in the week, the Florida House debated and voted on HB 1, the "Anti-Protest Bill." I've been a staunch opponent of this legislation because it wastes taxpayer money while restricting freedom of speech and expression. Throughout the debate, I emphasized the diverse groups opposing HB 1 and the possibility of harmful, unintended consequences. Watch my remarks:
Unfortunately, the bill advanced on a party-line vote. Now it's up to the Florida Senate to protect your constitutional rights by voting no on the companion bill, SB 484. Take Action.
In other news, leaders from the Republican party recently announced their plans to gut Florida's affordable housing programs and use the money for other projects.
In fact, in the last decade, Tallahassee Republicans have taken billions from the affordable housing fund, using the money to fill budgetary shortfalls and subsidize corporate tax cuts instead.
With Florida receiving $17 billion in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan, there is no excuse for gutting critically needed affordable housing programs.
Make your voice heard by emailing the House Speaker and the Senate President, demanding the affordable housing fund is used for its intended purposes. You can also call the offices of the House Speaker (850) 717-5065 and the Senate President (850) 487-5010.
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