Florida State Representative Chip LaMarca (R – Lighthouse Point) released the following statement regarding the Florida House holding their position on the need for health insurance provisions to protect the whole collegiate athlete.
“I stand with Speaker Oliva and believe removing the health insurance provisions leaves our collegiate athletes behind. If a college or university benefits from the talent and skills of these young women and men, which they do, then it is my strong position that these schools should value the athletes enough to ensure that their health is protected. When a student puts on a school’s jersey, risking injury to their own mind and body, they do so with pride. Yet the current system has failed to value these students in the same way they value playing for their school. Any organization that takes issue with this is self-serving and does not value these young men and women as students and human beings.”
“I urge my colleagues in the Florida Senate to do the right thing, and pass this great legislation. We must take care of our collegiate athletes in a full and comprehensive way, and not just toss them aside when their value to the institution has expired.”
This bill as amended has now been rolled over to third reading in the Florida House and is scheduled for a vote by the full body tomorrow. If passed by the Florida House tomorrow it will be sent back over the Senate as amended for their consideration.
