Governor DeSantis addressing the joint session of the Florida Legislature, January 14, 2020. Courtesy, Governor’s Press Office
We had two major happenings last week here at the Florida Capitol: The Governor delivered his State of the State address and the state Supreme Court ruled on the Legislature’s implementation of the Restoration of Felons Rights constitutional amendment. Both are instructive, as we reflect on this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, of our need to “press on,” whether it be with public policy, commerce, or the daily duties and responsibilities in each of our lives.
Governor DeSantis quoted Ecclesiastes 3 in his address, reminding the Legislature and constituents that “For everything there is a season.” He said this is Florida’s season of opportunity, a chance to build on a strong foundation and remain steadfast to a commitment to low taxes and fiscal responsibility.
“This will require a lot of toil and sweat and it will require not just words, but deeds. We can’t rest on past accomplishments. Our only easy day was yesterday,” said the Governor.
The Democratic response was critical of the Governor’s request to set teacher salaries at a minimum $47,500, with Senate Minority Leader Audrey Gibson saying it would leave out higher-paid teachers and other school workers. The Democrats are pushing instead for across the board wage increases.
The Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Legislature and Governor in determining that “all terms of their sentence” required for automatic restoration of felons’ voting rights, does indeed include payment of all fines, fees, and restitution. Civil rights groups filed suit against that implementation of the 2016 constitutional amendment approved by 71% of voters, saying it amounted to a “poll tax.”
And so we press on, with other news of interest and relevance in this week’s newsletter, including our reformatted Bill Watch, which we hope you’ll find easier to navigate and enjoy!
LMA Newsletter of 1-20-20
