Senator Garcia Urges Governor to Sign HB 959 into Law
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The 2012 Legislative Session resulted in the passage of HB 959, a bill broadly supported on both sides of the aisle, which prohibits Florida governmental entities from engaging in business activities with companies that conduct business with the totalitarian regimes of Cuba and Syria. Sponsored by Senator Rene Garcia, R-Hialeah, the bill awaits Governor Scott’s signature. Garcia says the bill will send a message that the State of Florida will not tolerate these oppressive regimes, and on Tuesday, he sent the Governor a letter urging him to sign the bill into law.
“Many of our constituents have fled communist Cuba, leaving everything behind to find refuge in our great state,” Garcia wrote. “By signing this bill, you will be honoring our commitment to them and acknowledging their perilous plight towards freedom.”
Garcia argues that Florida, as a sovereign state, should have the ability to determine the countries with which it conducts business. In the letter, Garcia explains that in 2007, the Legislature passed SB 2142, establishing similar restrictions on governmental entities conducting business with the countries of Iran and Sudan.
“Adding Cuba and Syria to this list merely reaffirms the position the federal government currently has against the governments of Cuba and Syria,” Garcia’s letter continues. “Florida has the right to exercise its constitutional sovereignty; I respectfully ask you to sign HB 959. Our tax dollars should not continue subsidizing the tyrannical regimes of Cuba and Syria.”
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Contact: David Marin | (305) 364-3100 | marin.david.s40@flsenate.gov
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