With Session winding down, I wanted to give one last update on the week that was, before a more comprehensive recap on the Session overall in the days ahead.

First, on the budget, we passed a BALANCED $112.1 billion dollar budget. Here are some highlights:

We were successful in preventing punitive cuts for Hillsborough's teachers. At the last minute, House Republicans did include a provision that made some teachers ineligible for a new bonus, but every teacher and district across the state will still see improvements in pay this upcoming year.

Additionally, my $200m push to improve pay for school support staff was FULLY FUNDED, as was another one I fought for for state correctional officers. This will bring all cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and janitors to $15/hr minimum.

Finally, my co-sponsored bill HJR-1 represents the biggest tax cut for our first responders, teachers, and active-duty military in state history. It's a huge win for working families across Florida.

Last year, we passed the New Worlds Reading Initiative which sends physical books to Florida students falling behind in their reading levels every month. Already, over 100k students are benefiting and developing a lifelong love for learning.

Unfortunately, my bipartisan push to save lives from the fentanyl epidemic failed. This after six West Point cadets overdosed while on spring break here in Florida. Two of the four didn't use any drugs, but overdosed while administering CPR trying to save their friends. They didn't know they were using drugs laced with fentanyl, which is what my amendment was designed to prevent. Please like and share!

As an update to fix our local roads, I'm proud to announce that now, if Stacey White's lawsuit that's been holding up BILLIONS of dollars in local road improvements is ruled in the state's favor, we did the pre-work to make sure those dollars are instantly returned to Hillsborough County to fix our local roads! It's a complicated and winding story, but you can read it here.

Lastly, some GREAT news on the personal side. Y'all probably remember Morgan for being the campaign manager that got me here and my first Legislate Assistant in the Capitol. Well, Morgan got engaged!!! 

What you may not know, is Austin was a tutor at my learning center and is actually responsible for introducing Morgan and I. They are in Maine now as Austin attends medical school and were engaged while on a vacation in Scotland.

From the bottom of my heart, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Please join me in wishing the future Mr. and Mrs. a lifetime of happiness.