Peter Schorsch
Last Call — A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
First Shot
A requirement to use a contentious employment verification system, one that critics say is riddled with inaccuracies, will be considered to become part of the state constitution.
On Tuesday, the General Provisions Committee of the Constitution Revision Commission will consider a proposed constitutional amendment to require the use of that system, called E-Verify.
The proposal was filed by Commissioner Rich Newsome, appointed by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, who opposes sanctuary city policies in the state.
E-Verify was launched more than a decade ago to give an idea of how a national checking system might function under comprehensive immigration reform.
Six years ago, Gov. Rick Scott signed an executive order mandating employers across the state use a federal electronic verification system to identify undocumented workers.
The American Civil Liberties Union, however, says inaccuracies in the system could present “enormous privacy and security risks” for immigrants currently cleared to work.
Under current rules, if E-Verify flags someone as unauthorized, that person has eight days to appeal the decision. Otherwise, an employer would be required to fire that employee.
Those who support the proposal say it would restore “the American Dream for the working poor of Florida” by not allowing illegal workers to take their jobs.
Tuesday’s CRC hearing is 1:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Evening Reads
“U.S. Supreme Court rejects challenge to open-carry ban” via Jim Saunders of the News Service of Florida
“The most expensive U.S. hurricane season ever: By the numbers” via Brian Sullivan of Bloomberg
“The next threat for coastal cities is flood insurance reform” via Will Doig of Next City
“Rick Scott visits Tampa to push his education plan” via Jeffrey Solochek of the Tampa Bay Times
“As sexual harassment rocks Washington, Ron DeSantis joins calls to bar settlements with taxpayer dollars” via Alex Leary of the Tampa Bay Times
“Florida GOP to appeal $110,000 fine tied to campaign finances” via Ana Ceballos of Florida Politics
“Battle over public notices heating up again” via Peter Schorsch of Florida Politics
“Miami family sues city over toxic soil in yard after mom dies of cancer” via Tim Elfrink of the Miami New Times
“Paige Carter-Smith on Nopetro’s payroll during CNG deal with city” via Jeff Burlew of the Tallahassee Democrat
“Florida State student who died after frat party remembered” via Associated Press
Quote of the Day
“These men put their lives on the line to defend our families and our freedom. As a Navy veteran myself, I honor their sacrifice and I am praying for their loved ones as they mourn.” — Gov. Rick Scott on the deaths of sailors who perished after a transport plane crashed in the Philippine Sea last week.
Bill Day’s Latest
Breakthrough Insights
Wake Up Early?
Sen. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, is scheduled to speak to the Downtown Business Professional Group. That’s at 7 a.m., The River Club, 1 Independent Dr., Jacksonville.
The Florida Elections Commission is scheduled to meet at 8:30 a.m., 412 Knott Building, the Capitol.
The State Board of Education will take up a number of issues, including “turnaround option plans” for schools in Bradford, Duval and Escambia counties. That’s at 9 a.m., Lake-Sumter State College, Everett A. Kelly Convocation Center, Magnolia Room, 9501 U.S. 441, Leesburg.
The Executive Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up a proposal to revamp the duties of the state chief financial officer. That’s at 9 a.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The state Task Force on Transportation Disadvantaged is scheduled to meet. Participants will include Barbara Palmer, director of the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. That’s at 9 a.m., Cabinet meeting room, the Capitol.
The Florida Chamber Foundation will hold the “Less Poverty Through More Prosperity Summit,” with speakers expected to include Sen. Jeff Brandes, former House Speaker Will Weatherford and Michelle Dennard, president and CEO of CareerSource Florida. That’s at 10 a.m., Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, 200 North Ashley Dr., Tampa.
Rep. Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican, is scheduled to speak to the Tiger Bay Club of Polk County. That’s at 11:30 a.m., Bartow Civic Center, 2250 South Floral Ave., Bartow.
The Judicial Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will take up proposals, including one to increase the mandatory retirement age for judges to 75, up from the current 70, and another to expand the filing of environmental lawsuits. That’s at 1 p.m., 301 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
The General Provisions Committee of the Florida Constitution Revision Commission will consider a series of proposals, including a measure to require Florida businesses to use the federal E-Verify system to prevent the hiring of undocumented immigrants. That’s at 1:30 p.m., 401 Senate Office Building, the Capitol.
Jason Montgomery, a candidate in Polk County’s House District 40, is expected to speak to the Rainbow Ridge LGBTA Democratic Caucus of Polk County. That’s at 6:30 p.m., West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant, 2215 South Combee Road, Lakeland.
