Gabrielle Russon
Abortion rights advocates complained of “dirty tricks” after a state panel drafted ballot language to appear next to an abortion rights initiative that critics worry could scare off voters due to warnings about potential high litigation costs.
“They’re trying to cause confusion and hide the real issue: Amendment 4 is about ending Florida’s extreme abortion ban which outlaws abortion before many women even realize they are pregnant,” said Lauren Brenzel, campaign director for Yes on 4.
“This sham of a process is a reminder to Florida voters that politicians are playing dirty tricks to overcomplicate and politicize a simple administrative fix.”
A representative tapped by Gov. Ron DeSantis and a staff member at the conservative think tank The Heritage Foundation helped override the state’s top economist at the Financial Impact Estimating Conference (FIEC).
The FIEC debated for hours three Mondays in a row and then reached a 3-1 consensus Monday night to agree on the disclaimer’s wording about the Amendment 4’s impact to the state budget. Without further overview, the wording will now get sent to the Secretary of State’s Office to be distributed to Florida’s local Election Supervisors.
The FIEC’s majority argued voters need to be aware that Amendment 4 is expected to cost the state in litigation expenses.
“Everyone agrees litigation is coming, right? It’s like ‘Game of Thrones.’ Winter is coming,” said Chris Spencer during Monday’s meeting. “Litigation is going to occur as a result of this.”
Amendment 4 advocates argued the panel’s decision was political. The grassroots effort had collected signatures to put the initiative on the ballot. The referendum faces opposition from DeSantis and other Republican leaders.
“Floridians deserve the freedom to make informed decisions on Amendment 4, but yet again the Florida government is getting in the way, just as it’s been interfering in patients’ personal health care decisions. From our exam rooms to the ballot boxes, politicians are intent on butting into Floridians’ private lives,” said Mona Mangat, a St. Petersburg physician who is involved with The Committee to Protect Health Care.
Amendment 4 needs at least 60% of the vote to amend the state’s constitution, with the goal of overturning the state’s current six-week abortion ban.
4 comments
ScienceBLVR
July 16, 2024 at 10:26 am
So.. the state passes laws that are clearly unconstitutional, then AG, spends millions of taxpayer dollars to fight, knowing they’ll lose. It’s always about taking people’s freedom and money with these people.
Put whatever misleading verbiage you want on it- won’t matter, no one reads it anyway. I think most everyone already knows how they are voting on amendments 3 and 4, anyway, so give it your best shot. A resounding yes to both!!!
Cat Woman
July 16, 2024 at 10:47 am
So who was watching the cats while the ranchers were away from the herd?
Flash Light
July 16, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Trying to scare voters? In particular women voters? That’s rich. Can’t wait to see what the geniuses will do when Amendment 4 passes easily.
Cheesy Floridian
July 17, 2024 at 4:03 pm
Ok sure litigation might happen. You know what, it will happen with how this government is working. But why is that bad now? I mean DeSantis allocated 16 million dollars of taxpayer money according to an article by the Tallahassee Democrat written last year 2023 to defend the laws the legislature and DeSantis signed into law. Why is that ok to do but it’s not ok for this one amendment? can anyone say hypocrites??? Trump says its up to the states for abortion. Florida is about to decide in Nov. and yet the people elected into office to represent us do not want us to actually have a voice in the matter. And DeSantis speaks of freedom.
Freedom – the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. absence of subjection to foreign domination or despotic government
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