As we begin another week of the 2021 legislative session, I want to provide you a brief overview of the important things that happened last week. 

But first, an update regarding COVID-19 vaccines, beginning Tuesday, April 6th, the federally supported vaccination sites in Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville will be offering the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Each site will administer up to 3,000 doses daily. Click here to learn more.

On Thursday, my bill, HB 429, the "Purple Star Campuses Act," passed the Local Administration & Veterans Affairs Subcommittee with a unanimous vote! Thank you to everyone who emailed or called members of the subcommittee. Watch my presentation: 

Now, the "Purple Star Campuses Act" is ready for a vote on the House floor. You can help me get this excellent bill across the finish line by emailing the House Speaker and Rules Chairman, urging them to prioritize HB 429 for a floor vote. 

During the Early Learning & Elementary Education Subcommittee, we voted on HJR 1416, "Prohibition on Compensation for Members of a District School Board." I opposed this bill because it undercuts local leaders, ignores individual school districts' unique challenges, and provides no tangible benefit to students. Watch my remarks:

Unfortunately, the bill advanced on a party-line vote, but I will continue fighting this misguided and overreaching legislation.

Some positive news! Your advocacy is working. 

SB 484, the Senate version of HB 1, the "Anti-Protest Bill," faces an uncertain future. A recent study showed the negative fiscal impacts of HB 1 and SB 484, supporting the argument I made on the House floor. Click here to read the study and here to watch my remarks. 

Our work is not done though! Keep the pressure on by emailing members of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, urging them to vote NO on SB 484. 

We also held our monthly, virtual, District 59 town hall. I provided a legislative summary from Tallahassee and heard from constituents about various issues, including veterans affairs, medical marijuana, criminal justice reform, and more! Watch the town hall:

Thank you for reading my weekly review. 

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