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

But first, a reminder that COVID-19 vaccines are available to All Floridians . To find a vaccination site near you, please visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.

The week started with some sore legs after I completed the Cross Florida Bike Ride. This 167-mile route started in Cocoa Beach, finished in Spring Hill, and was marred with unusually hot weather and challenging headwinds. It was a brutal day, but I can't wait to do it again next year!

We voted on several controversial bills within the legislature, including HB 1475, banning transgender girls from competing in girls' sports . While Tallahassee Republicans throw red meat to their base, every Democrat stood in solidarity with the trans community by opposing this hateful, divisive, and discriminatory legislation. Watch my remarks:

Unfortunately, the bill advanced on a party-line vote.

However, you can help stop this terrible legislation by calling Republican members of the Senate Rules Committee, urging them to vote NO on the Senate companion bill, SB 2012, in the upcoming Rules Committee meeting .

There is some positive news! On Thursday, I presented my bill, HB 1097, to the Florida House of Representatives, and it passed with a unanimous vote! Watch my presentation.

The men and women who've served our country deserve the best healthcare available; however, many VA hospitals are experiencing a severe shortage of practicing physicians.

This legislation removes bureaucratic hurdles, allowing VA hospitals to recruit licensed doctors from other states and US territories.

Now, we need the Florida Senate to pass the companion bill, SB 780. You can support our veterans by emailing your Senator, asking them to vote YES on SB 780.

Several of the bills I've co-sponsored also passed the Florida House of Representatives last week, including:


✅ HM 71, Recognizing Veteran Suicide and Urging Congress to Fund Suicide Prevention Efforts

✅ HB 117, Improving Resource Information for Individuals with Disabilities

✅ HB 231, Expanding access to Behavioral and Mental Healthcare for Veterans and Military Families

✅ HB 435, Strengthening Florida's Veterans Employment and Training Programs

With just a few weeks left in the 2021 legislative session, there is much work to be done. I want to thank you for your advocacy, engagement, and continued support throughout my first year in the Florida House of Representatives!

For daily updates, please consider following my social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Andrew Learned
Candidate for Florida House (FL-59)
AndrewLearned.com

@AndrewLearned on Social: join the conversation!





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Andrew Learned is a member of the US Navy Reserve. Use of his military rank, job titles, and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.

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