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Senator Audrey Gibson

Senator Audrey Gibson’s claims bill for Clifford Williams, wrongly incarcerated for four decades, signed into law

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Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) to compensate 76-year-old Clifford Williams who was imprisoned 43 years for a crime he did not commit was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis today. [Read more…] about Senator Audrey Gibson’s claims bill for Clifford Williams, wrongly incarcerated for four decades, signed into law

Senator Audrey Gibson launches local “We Count” census committee

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In an effort to ensure that the residents of Duval County are counted as the national 2020 Census begins, state Senator Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) on Tuesday announced that she has formed a local “Complete Count Committee” to help in the outreach efforts. [Read more…] about Senator Audrey Gibson launches local “We Count” census committee

Senator Audrey Gibson’s claims bill to compensate man incarcerated 43 years for murder he didn’t commit headed for Senate hearing

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Legislation sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) to compensate 76-year old Clifford Williams who was imprisoned 43 years for a crime he did not commit will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee next Tuesday. [Read more…] about Senator Audrey Gibson’s claims bill to compensate man incarcerated 43 years for murder he didn’t commit headed for Senate hearing

Sen. Gibson and Rep. Davis push for College Promise Program at EWC Gets Funded

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State Senator Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) and State Representative Tracie Davis (D-Jacksonville) presented a $356,000 mock check to Edward Waters College for the start of the second national College Promise Program. During the 2018 Legislative Session, Senator Gibson and Representative Davis worked hand-in-hand advocating for state funding for the program which creates a pathway for low-income, first time in college students to attend four-year institution to earn their degree.  The funds will be used to bridge gaps in resources from other forms of financial assistance to cover tuition for the entire four years for roughly 100 incoming students. This allows the students to graduate debt free.

“Every individual who wants to start and finish their four year education to a higher level should be able to do so and not carry a load of debt through their own retirement. Working with Representative Davis in the House yet again was great!” said Senator Gibson.

“So excited as the State Rep. for the area and an alumni of Edward Waters College to have been part of the team with Senator Gibson to secure this funding for such a great program. College Promise is the second program in the nation providing a debt free pathway to higher education for first time students. This is the future of higher education and funding is critical to its success,” said Representative Davis.

Senator Audrey Gibson and Representative Lori Berman File Legislation to Reduce Gun Violence

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Senator Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) and Representative Lori Berman (D-Lantana) are filing bills designed to temporarily prevent individuals who are at high risk of harming themselves or others from accessing firearms. The legislation allows family, household members, and law enforcement to obtain a court order when there is demonstrated evidence that the person poses a significant danger to themselves or others, including danger as a result of a mental health crisis or violent behavior.
“It is critical to address senseless gun deaths that now seem to be more the norm than a rarity.  This bill is designed to remove from harm’s way individuals who are at high risk of harming themselves or others through an act of gun violence.  A temporary, evidenced-based court order to remove a firearm from the home can be extremely helpful in curbing dangerous crisis behavior,” said Senator Audrey Gibson.
The purpose and intent of this legislation – HB 231, with the Senate measure awaiting a bill number – is to reduce gun deaths and injuries by allowing an order to temporarily restrict a person’s access to firearms, while simultaneously respecting constitutional right. Court orders are intended to be limited to situations in which the person poses a significant danger of harming themselves or others by possessing a firearm, and include standards and safeguards to protect the rights of respondents and due process of law.
“In light of Sunday night’s tragedy in Las Vegas, it is more important than ever that we address how to limit gun violence,” stated Representative Lori Berman. “This bill provides a mechanism for family or household members and law enforcement to stop bad actors before tragedy happens. The legislation also gives family members a pathway for removing firearms from individuals in the throes of a dangerous mental health crisis, including suicidal ideations.”

ICYMI: Fant Appoints Gibson to Jacksonville Cultural Council

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FLS004-13 Fant logo Final

Duval County Legislative Delegation Chair Jay Fant announced today the appointment of Senator Audrey Gibson to the Jacksonville Cultural Council. Gibson represents District 6 in the Florida Senate.
“Senator Gibson’s long record of public service in our area make her a perfect fit to be a strong voice for the arts on the Cultural Council,” said Fant. “I look forward to working with her and all the members of our delegation to promote opportunities for cultural development and ensure that we have a vibrant arts community in Duval County.”
Gibson served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2002 to 2010 and was elected to the Florida Senate in 2011. Currently, she chairs the Military and Veterans Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security Committee.
Fant has represented District 15 in the Florida House of Representatives since 2014 and was chosen by his fellow area legislators to chair the Duval delegation for 2017. In addition to Fant and Gibson, the Duval legislative delegation includes Senator Aaron Bean (District 4) and Representatives Cord Byrd (District 11), Kim Daniels (District 14), Tracie Davis (District 13), Jason Fischer (District 16), and Clay Yarborough (District 12). 

About Jay Fant for State Representative
Jay Fant’s strong ties to Jacksonville began when his grandfather’s family moved to the city in 1920. Jay’s father and grandfather have been local business and civic leaders, with both having served in elected office. In 1947, the family started First Guaranty Bank, one of the oldest banks in the city. In 1994, Jay was elected to serve on the board and led the company with his father through 2012. Jay has done much to continue the family tradition of investing in the community. He has been involved with many different organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Healthy U Now Foundation, Rotary, and the Florida Bankers Association. Jay and his wife, Lauren, have two sons and two daughters. They attend St. Johns Presbyterian Church. In his spare time, he coaches little league baseball and basketball.

Paid by Jay Fant, Republican, for State Representative