Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie K. Kelly today issued the following statement after the Florida House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 1447, sponsored by Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, which creates a 19-member Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commission. [Read more…] about Florida Association of Managing Entities Applauds House for Creating Mental Health and Substance Abuse Commission
Government
Lauren Book Elected Senate Democratic Leader-Designate
Senator Lauren Book (D-Plantation) was yesterday morning elected by her peers to lead Florida Senate Democrats through 2024, marking the first time the Chamber will be led by two women. [Read more…] about Lauren Book Elected Senate Democratic Leader-Designate
Americans for Prosperity Praises House for Increasing Educational Opportunities for Florida’s Children and Families
Americans for Prosperity-Florida State Director Skylar Zander today issued the following statement after the Florida House passed House Bill 7045, which is sponsored by the Appropriations Committee and the Education & Employment Committee and Representative Randy Fine. [Read more…] about Americans for Prosperity Praises House for Increasing Educational Opportunities for Florida’s Children and Families
Upcoming Public Hearing for U.S. 17-92 Improvements
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will hold a public hearing regarding project plans on U.S. 17-92 from south of Nottingham Street to south of Monroe Avenue on Thursday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. [Read more…] about Upcoming Public Hearing for U.S. 17-92 Improvements
Media Advisory: Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse to Hold Press Conference Announcing 2021 Florida Economic Impact Report
On Thursday, April 22, at the Florida Press Center, Tom Gaitens, executive director of the Florida chapter of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, will be hosting a press conference to unveil the annual report on the economic impact of lawsuit abuse in Florida. [Read more…] about Media Advisory: Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse to Hold Press Conference Announcing 2021 Florida Economic Impact Report
APCIA: Florida Drivers on a Collision Course with Higher Auto Insurance Costs with Passage of House Bill 719
The American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) yesterday issued the following statement, attributed to its assistant vice president of state government relations Logan McFaddin, regarding the passage of House Bill 719 (Motor Vehicle Insurance) by the House Judiciary Committee. [Read more…] about APCIA: Florida Drivers on a Collision Course with Higher Auto Insurance Costs with Passage of House Bill 719
Florida Association of Managing Entities’ Statement on Behavioral Health Services Funding
Florida Association of Managing Entities CEO Natalie Kelly yesterday praised the House of Representatives and Senate for prioritizing behavioral health services.
[Read more…] about Florida Association of Managing Entities’ Statement on Behavioral Health Services Funding
PIP Repeal: A New Problem Can’t be the Solution
The Florida House Judiciary Committee passed a bill yesterday that causes more harm than good, according to the Personal Insurance Federation of Florida (PIFF). [Read more…] about PIP Repeal: A New Problem Can’t be the Solution
Florida Youths Voice Concerns Over Legislation Removing Local Involvement in Energy Decisions
Young advocates from across Florida hold virtual event opposing bill preempting local energy choices to the state
To voice their opposition to legislation that would preempt local energy decisions, young Floridians held a virtual press event last week via Zoom.
From their hometowns across Florida, the middle school to college-aged advocates detailed the negative implications of SB 1128/HB 919 for the future of their local communities. The event was convened by The CLEO Institute and supported by other climate-focused organizations like Our Climate, Environment Florida, Rethink Energy, and others.
The bills, sponsored by Sen. Travis Hutson and Rep. Josie Tomkow, would restrict Florida’s communities from deciding how their local buildings are powered and prevent municipalities from updating their building codes. By preempting control to the Legislature, the legislation could impact policies including residential zoning designations, the location of energy infrastructure like industrial pipelines or massive solar farms, and minimum safety setbacks.
“I’m only 17, and students like me are going to be especially impacted by the future of our community – please don’t take our voices away from us. I ask the Florida Legislature to reject SB 1128 and HB 919,” said Sabrina Hu, a high school student from Tallahassee. “Local input over local energy decisions will better serve our communities, now and into the future.” To view her presentation, please click here.
The students noted that many communities across Florida, including some of their own, have chosen to pursue energy independence – but SB 1128/HB 919 would significantly hinder their local leaders’ ability to carry out those decisions. The youths also said the bill’s broad language would likely create confusion and unintended consequences.
“State lawmakers are pushing legislation that could negatively impact Floridians like me for generations to come, so I am asking our elected officials to oppose it,” said Christopher L., a 13-year-old speaker. “Senate Bill 1128 and House Bill 919 would take away the voices of communities across Florida when it comes to energy decisions that impact our local areas and the futures of young people like me.” To view his full presentation, please click here.
To view a recording of the event, which includes all of the student presentations, please click here.
Mast, Salazar Introduce Bill To Restart Cruising Safely
CRUISE Act Addresses Impacts Of COVID-19 On Cruise Industry
U.S. Representatives Brian Mast (FL-18) and Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), along with a number of their House colleagues, introduced the Careful Resumption Under Improved Safety Enhancements (CRUISE) Act, which would require the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide COVID-19 mitigation guidance for cruise lines to resume safe domestic operations. [Read more…] about Mast, Salazar Introduce Bill To Restart Cruising Safely
