Staff Reports
The Florida Legislature sent a bill to Gov. Rick Scott that would overhaul Florida’s death penalty. The bill requires at least 10 out of 12 jurors must recommend execution in order for it to be carried out.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement:
“I want to thank state lawmakers for prioritizing this important legislation to ensure Florida’s death sentencing statutes are constitutional.”
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The Florida House passed a bill (HB 1411) to prohibit public dollars from being allocated to clinics that are affiliated with organizations that perform abortions.
Laura Goodhue, the executive director of the Florida Alliance of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, said in a statement:
“Today, the majority in the Florida House sent a message that they care more about pandering to extremists who want to take away women’s access to reproductive health care than they do about women all across our state who may no longer be able to access lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control, testing for STDs and abortion care.
“This, from House leaders who have repeatedly blocked bipartisan attempts to close the coverage gap and provide care to so many Floridians unable to get it now. This, from House leaders who have ignored meaningful efforts – such as the Healthy Adolescents Act – to address our soaring HIV rates.
“Using a fraudulent and thoroughly debunked smear campaign to justify defunding Planned Parenthood in Florida is shameful and will result in real costs when it comes to the health and well being of Floridians.”
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The Florida Senate Appropriations committee approved a tax cut package (HB 7099) on Thursday. Among other things, the proposal includes a back-to-school sales tax holiday.
Randy Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said in a statement:
“On behalf of Florida’s 270,000 retailers and the millions of Floridians who all rely on this holiday, I want to thank the House and Senate for recognizing the importance of the Back-to-School sales tax holiday and returning it to the tax package. We look forward to the positive impact this 3-day sales tax holiday will have on Florida retailers’ bottom line, as consumers take advantage of buying their supplies while also saving money.”
Tom Feeney, president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, said in a statement:
“AIF lauds the members of the Senate Appropriations Committee for advancing the tax package today. As Florida’s leader in manufacturing and Florida’s affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF supports eliminating the sales tax on manufacturing machinery and equipment once and for all.
“With Florida’s manufacturing sector significantly providing high-wage and high-value added jobs, it is imperative that we grow this high-producing industry as the state continues to diversify the economy.
“As the tax package heads to the Senate floor, AIF encourages the full Senate to advance this pro-business tax cut that will reinvigorate manufacturing and accelerate job growth in the Sunshine State.”
The bill now heads to the Senate floor.
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The Senate Appropriations committee approved the Florida Keys Stewardship Act (SB 770). The bill invests $25 million a year for 10 years into water quality, restoration and protection; water supply protection; and land for critical habitat protection.
Monroe County Mayor Heather Carruthers said in a statement:
“We are happy to praise the Senate Appropriations Committee for voting favorably on this good bill. With the end of session drawing near, we would also like to thank Senators Simpson and Flores, and Representative Raschein, for all their hard work and dedication on behalf of the Florida Keys.”
Key West Mayor Craig Cates said in a statement:
“We commend the Senators who serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee for understanding the importance of investing in the future of the Florida Keys. Not only have the Florida Keys been a source of major economic benefits for our local communities, but they have been a driving force in the state’s overall economy. Investing in the Florida Keys Stewardship Act will allow the Keys to continue to be a major economic contributor now and in the long run.”
J. Robert Dean, chairman of the Florida Keys Aqueduct Board of Directors, said in a statement:
“The Florida Keys Stewardship Act is necessary if we want to safeguard the Florida Keys, now and for the future. We are pleased that the Senate Appropriations Committee joined us in supporting this sound investment, which will address the Florida Keys’ most significant environmental needs, and hope that this important measure continues to receive substantial support.”
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The Senate Appropriations Committee approved a proposal that would allow voters to decide whether businesses should get the same tax breaks as residential properties.
Julio Fuentes, president and CEO of the Florida State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement:
”Lawmakers should support common sense efforts to expand opportunities for solar investment in Florida. This is business-friendly legislation would allow Florida companies to manage their energy bills with affordable solar and invest further in business and job growth. These bills represent a tax fairness issue that should gain legislative approval and allow the public to have their say in November.”
Randy Miller, president and CEO of the Florida Retail Federation, said in a statement:
“Increased use of free, homegrown solar energy just makes business sense, especially in a state with such abundant sunshine. This legislation will give Florida voters the chance to open the market to new solar opportunities and clear the way for retailers to further invest in Florida and in our energy future.”
