The 2021 legislative session is complete! I'm back in District 59, and it sure does feel good to be home. Overall, this year was a mixed bag. While Democrats were pushing legislation to support working families, protect the environment, and improve Florida's public education system -- our Republican colleagues were busy restricting voting rights, attacking the trans community, and dolling out public money to their campaign donors.
To keep you updated, I have put together a comprehensive overview of the 2021 legislative session.
But first, a reminder that COVID-19 vaccines are available to all Floridians aged 16 and over. To find a vaccination site near you, please visit floridahealthcovid19.gov. Or you can text your zipcode to 438829!
Rep. Learned's Legislative Agenda
Let's start with the positives! In my first year in the Florida House of Representatives, I was one of the most productive members. I passed 3 sponsored and 15 co-sponsored bills, all of which make life better for everyday Floridians. My sponsored bills that passed include:
HB 429, The Purple Star Campuses Act. This legislation provides stability for military families by creating Purple Star Campuses designed to serve military families' unique needs. Simply put, my bill ensures every military child has an opportunity to thrive. Click here to learn more about the challenges we are seeking to address.
HB 1097, The Healthcare Licensure Act. This legislation addresses the severe shortage of practicing physicians at VA hospitals by removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles and empowering hospitals to recruit doctors from other states. Click here to watch my presentation on the House Floor.
HB 1399, An Act Relating to Aquaculture Records. This legislation protects our local and family farmers by putting them on an even playing field in the competitive market. Click here to read more about the bill.
Some of my co-sponsored bills that passed include:
✅ HB 1307, Banning Unsolicited Telemarketing Phone Calls
✅ 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
For a complete list of my co-sponsored bills, click here! In addition to passing 18 bills, I secured $584,000 for local projects in District 59, and our office responded to 21,167 constituent emails! Thank you everyone for your engagement and advocacy.
The FY 2021-2022 Budget
With help from President Biden's American Rescue Plan, the Florida Legislature passed a $101.5 billion budget. This year is the first time the statewide budget has surpassed $100 billion. Certainly, there are some favorable provisions, including critical funding for education, human services, environmental protection, and more -- but I know a Democratic Majority would have gone significantly further to support Florida's working families.
In this year's budget, Tallahassee Republicans raided nearly $250 million from the Sadowski Affordable Housing Trust Fund and voted to cut funding permanently. They continued their systematic reduction of public education funding while throwing taxpayer money at the for-profit charter school industry, one of their largest campaign donors. Even worse, they refused to accept federal funding to expand healthcare coverage for Florida's most vulnerable citizens...during a pandemic!
Things have got to change, and we need a Democratic Majority to make that happen. Click here to read more about the FY 2021-2022 Florida budget.
Tallahassee Republicans Attack Voting Rights
In response to record voter turnout, Tallahassee Republicans rammed Senate Bill 90, a massive voter suppression initiative, through the Florida Legislature. This bill makes it illegal to provide food or water to voters waiting in line, severely limits access to safe and secure ballot drop boxes, and creates additional barriers for senior and disabled voters.
This legislation is based on the pretense of "voter fraud" and "election irregularities." The same false claims President Trump used to stoke a violent attack on our nation's capitol. Let's be clear, Senate Bill 90 isn't about securing elections -- it's about disenfranchising vulnerable populations and feeding nonsensical conspiracy theories.
The Governor said it himself.
"Last November, Florida held the smoothest, most successful election of any state in the country..."
Tallahassee Republicans understand there is no evidence of voter fraud, yet they cynically attack democracy for political gain. However, my Democratic colleagues and I remain committed to expanding voting rights for all Floridians. Repealing this unconstitutional legislation will be a top priority for 2022.
GOP Rushes to Discriminate Against Trans Kids
In the 11th hour of the 2021 legislative session, Tallahassee Republicans rushed to revive their hateful, divisive, and discriminatory ban on transgender girls competing in girls' sports. The bill even includes birth certificate requirements that could unintentionally penalize adopted children. When questioned, the bill's sponsor had little understanding and no logical explanation for this problem.
Of course, every Democrat stood in solidarity with the trans community by forcefully opposing the majority's latest attempt to marginalize LGBTQ Floridians. Watch my remarks below:
Throughout my life, I've felt a strong commitment to protecting my fellow citizens, especially those in marginalized communities. It's what motivated me to join the Navy, and it's what motivates me to stand with the trans community. This fight isn't over. #LetThemPlay.
Governor DeSantis Signs Record Tax Hike on Working Families
In the middle of the night, Governor DeSantis signed the most significant tax increase on Floridians in a generation. The billion-dollar tax will disproportionately affect Florida's poor, working, and middle-class families. Even worse, the revenue will subsidize additional tax cuts for some of Florida's most profitable corporations and largest campaign donors.
A study from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy revealed that Florida has the third most unfair state and local tax system in the country.
I voted no on this legislation because I believe in creating a tax code that prioritizes the needs of everyday Floridians. This means making profitable corporations pay their fair share, reducing the tax burden on poor, working, and middle-class families, and minimize Florida's reliance on sales and excise taxes.
What's next
The Regular Legislative Session is over; however, the week of May 17th, lawmakers will reconvene in Tallahassee for a special session to address Florida's gambling agreement with the Seminole Tribe.
Following the special session, I will be in District 59, meeting with constituents, nonprofits, and local leaders to develop a bold legislative agenda that serves our community's needs.
If you have any questions, concerns, or thoughts about what you would like to see the legislature address in 2022, click here to send me an email.
How you can help
You may have heard...
While I was in Tallahassee, Republicans back home were busy recruiting a candidate to run against me, and they succeeded in doing so. Our victory last year was the closest margin of any state house race in Florida, so Republicans didn't waste any time. My opponent has been campaigning for over a month, has unlimited corporate money, and I'm falling behind.
Help us show the strength of our re-election campaign by starting a small, recurring contribution of $5, $15, $25, or any amount you can do today! I need your support to keep District 59 blue.
Thank you
My first year in the Florida House of Representatives has been a great learning experience. And though I'm proud of what we've accomplished together, I know there is so much work to be done. Many hardworking families and small businesses in District 59 and throughout the state are struggling to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. These workers and small businesses keep our state running -- as lawmakers, we must deliver for them. I'm ready to get back to work!
For your unwavering support throughout the past few years, I am deeply grateful. I hope you and your family are well, and I look forward to seeing you around town!
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