Drew Wilson
New reports show the political committee backing a proposed amendment to boost access to solar energy posted its best fundraising numbers to date, with nearly $155,000 in contributions in June.
Floridians for Solar Choice got $50,000 of the money from the SACE Action Fund, a political committee tied to the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. Since Floridians for Solar Choice formed in December, SACE Action Fund has contributed $180,000, with another $35,000 coming from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy. SACE also made $29,657 in in-kind contributions last month, mostly stemming from petition-gathering efforts.
Other significant contributions include a $50,000 check from Coral Gables Democratic fundraiser Barbara Steifel, who also gave $40,000 to People United for Medical Marijuana last month. Gainesville-based solar company Infinite Energy chipped in another $25,000, Conservatives for Energy Freedom gave $15,000 and Miami car dealership Williamson Automotive rounded out the major donors with a $10,000 check.
June expenditures totaled $45,521, with the majority of the money going to petition gathering and signature validation. Florida Division of Elections records show the initiative has 98,472 valid signatures. Amendments need 683,149 signatures to get on the ballot.
