There’s an eerie stillness around downtown Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, compared to past years at this time. Due to COVID-19 precautions and restrictions on public interaction, we’ve seen what a ghost town it is both inside and outside the Capitol building during these legislative committee weeks.
The Senate isn’t letting anyone into its proceedings at all, unless invited to testify by the committee Chairs. The House requires a sign-up 3 hours before any committee meeting on a first come basis with limited seating. Any 1-on-1 House meeting requires the legislative aide to meet the guest at the Capitol entrance once security measures are met and escort the House guest to the meeting, with the guest being required to leave the building immediately after the meeting concludes.
The public can still come and offer comment, but now do so two blocks away via a video link at the civic center. Most advocacy is being done virtually.
The good news: many legislators seem willing to meet folks off-Capitol grounds at the various eateries and hangouts, which is also helping local businesses in the coronavirus slowdown. We are most happy to host you in Tallahassee if you have an interest in visiting and attempting to meet with legislators outside the Capitol.
LMA Newsletter of 2-1-21
