Gabrielle Russon
The abortion rights initiative campaign lost its legal fight to appeal the “financial impact statement” that a state panel approved to go on the ballot under the Amendment 4 proposal this Fall.
“The First District Court of Appeal delivered a blow to democracy by refusing to decide whether courts can review the validity of financial impact statements,” the Yes on 4 campaign said in a press release. “This is a significant setback for Florida voters who deserve transparent, accurate, and lawful information before casting their ballots this November.”
A state panel with economists turned into political fireworks with a representative from Gov. Ron DeSantis and a Heritage Foundation staffer pushing for a revised 150-word impact statement to be added to the ballot.
The group reached a 3-1 consensus last week with a 150-word statement that read, “The proposed amendment would result in significantly more abortions and fewer live births per year in Florida. The increase in abortions could be even greater if the amendment invalidates laws requiring parental consent before minors undergo abortions and those ensuring only licensed physicians perform abortions.”
The statement also warns about uncertainty over the state being required to fund abortions with public money which could cost Florida in litigation costs.
The Amendment 4 campaign argued the Financial Impact Estimating Conference, which was supposed to determine Amendment 4’s impact on the state budget, was now political and playing dirty tricks to convince voters not to support it.
“This move throws a wrench in the democratic process and keeps voters from getting the straight facts they need. Allowing this dodgy financial impact statement to stand only erodes trust in our electoral system,” said Lauren Brenzel, Yes on 4’s Campaign Director.
Meanwhile, the Vote No on Florida opposition campaign backed the new financial impact statement. The group previously said the financial impact statement is “clear and accurately reflects the potential consequences of Amendment 4, including the risk of endless legal battles.”
Currently, Florida bans abortions after six weeks.
Amendment 4 seeks to protect abortion rights in the state constitution and requires at least 60% of the vote to pass.
10 comments
ScienceBLVR
July 22, 2024 at 8:17 pm
The only risk of endless legal battles are from Jesus warriors like this group and our feckless AG who does nothing but file losing politically based lawsuits there’s no hope of winning. I love to see the cost of all the lawsuits Moodys filed on our behalf. Bet it’d be enough to provide free birth control for all as well as the morning after pills.
JustBabs
July 23, 2024 at 12:09 pm
Can’t have the citizens voting. Florida will shut down the will of The People and control it all. Meanwhile, Moody has chosen to ignore the rampant problems plaguing Floridians. From insurance companies transferring huge sums to subsidery companies to create a false financial burden on their bottome lines, to rampant contractor fraud and price gouging to the victims who have suffered a disaster event. Florida used to have a law against that. Seems it’s a Trump world of business, now. Corruption is seen as a smart business model and those who cheat and steal are given the most respect, and support. The actual citizens are not even given a thought.
Cheesy Floridian
July 22, 2024 at 9:02 pm
It’s so ssd how badly DeSantis doesn’t want people to vote and be truthfully informed. He says he is for freedom but his actions say otherwise
Hung Wiil
July 22, 2024 at 9:27 pm
The language in Amendment 4 is absurd, the impact statement clarifies. You suck.
cassandra was right
July 24, 2024 at 8:47 am
What SPECIFICALLY is “absurd” about the language?
Also any “risk of endless legal battles” is self-inflicted by the government. Legal battles would be the result of politicians attempting to infringe on the people’s constitutional rights. (Using the people’s own tax dollars to do so!)
Vote YES on Amendment 4 !!!
Bob B
July 23, 2024 at 6:54 pm
If only people knew this amendment would allow abortion up til birth it would never get near the 60%. But the left wants this part kept secret.
Paul
July 24, 2024 at 7:42 am
No, it does not. Stop perpetuating lies.
otoh
July 24, 2024 at 8:21 am
You are confused. Amendment 4 prevents the government from interfering in women’s abortion decisions prior to viability.
Your ignorant comment demonstrates exactly why voting YES on Amendment 4 is so important for Florida women and families. Abortion is NOT controversial in the United States. And over 80% of Americans oppose government interference in abortion. Americans want FREEDOM from government intrusion into our bodies and personal lives.
Vote YES on 4 !
Earl's Long Suffering But Heavily Medicated Wife
July 24, 2024 at 10:18 am
Liar.
Anything to keep women down, right?
Dont Say FLA
July 25, 2024 at 12:04 pm
The 6 week ban just barely went into effect, so how can anybody forecast the impact of anything versus an unknown? Is that the strategery? Force a delay so the impact of the 6 week ban can be measured and then an impact can be assessed against it?
Comments are closed.