|
Lawmakers are gearing up, and so should you
Our US representatives finally commenced the business side of the 118th Congress, now that a Speaker of the House was elected. As such, we are seeing what it means to have the far-right faction of the GOP pulling the leadership strings. It's not what we want. However, with the GOP holding a slim majority - slimmer when Congressmen fall off ladders and are hospitalized - and the Democrats holding a majority in the Senate, the damage could be minimal.
The apparent inability for the Republicans to govern responsibly also provides us a good chance to remind voters how Democrats do things differently, and deliver for all Americans. (See talking points below.)
In Florida, our task is even greater as Republicans hold a supermajority. How that could hurt most Floridians is already starting to surface, as legislators begin to file their bills in advance of the Legislative Session starting in March. (We will attempt to bring attention to harmful proposals as we can. See below for more.)
This is no time to sit back and wait for the next election. Get involved in your local club or caucus of interest. (There is a list at the end of the newsletter). If your precinct does not have a precinct captain, consider becoming one and get your neighbors engaged in the conversation and volunteering to sign up people to vote by mail. And, if your club or caucus calls for a legislative liaison, consider filling that role to keep members informed of proposed laws that require our attention. If your US or State representatives are not representing you and your interests, let them know. Call, write to them or write letters to the editors. Remind them they govern for all!
Issues raised this week
‘Incomprehensible’: White House slams DeSantis administration for rejecting AP Black studies
Florida House unveils universal voucher bill, top priority of GOP's Renner
HB1, filed by Renner, is a dangerous proposal for Florida's public schools. The expanded school voucher program has been promised for years by the anti-public school forces in Florida. It will essentially decimate funding for public education, the great equalizer in our society, and it is scheduled for its first House committee hearing this week.
To learn more, consider attending this virtual meeting tonight with Rep. Anna Eskamani and Dr. Norin Dollard from the FL Policy Institute regarding the impact of the new HB 1 School Choice bill. |
