Connect with us

Politics

Daisy Morales Named FNN News 2022 State Legislator of the Year

Published

on

Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in her district office in Orlando. (Photo credit: Rep. Daisy Morales)
Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in her district office in Orlando. (Photo credit: Rep. Daisy Morales)

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Florida National News (FNN) has named State Representative Daisy Morales (D-Orlando) Florida National News State Legislator of the Year for her unwavering commitment to the disability community in Florida and nationwide.

There are 120 members of the Florida House of Representatives, and 40 members of the Florida Senate which make up the Florida State Legislature. In November 2022, Republicans increased majority from 78-42 to 85-35 with control over the Florida House. As the minority party, Democratic legislators have an uphill battle in getting legislation passed through committees, on the House floor and signed into law by a Republican governor.

This year, the Florida National News highlights a House Democratic freshman state legislator with a proven track record of getting sponsored legislation passed and signed into law who has advanced the rights, dignity, equal opportunities, and choices for Floridians with intellectual and developmental disabilities during the 2022 Legislative Session.

2022 State Legislator of the Year

There are many ways to measure a lawmaker’s success. FNN News kept it simple: the Legislator of the Year is one who accomplishes both parts of their job: pass laws (in other words, draft bills that pass both Chambers of the Legislature and get signed into law by the governor) and balance the state budget. Given how difficult it is for a Democrat lawmaker to get bills passed and signed into law, the more sponsored bill signed into law that are under their belt, the better.

During the 2022 Legislative Session, Representative Morales sponsored bipartisan legislation that was signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis that had significant impact for disabled homeowners (HB 13), disabled veterans (HB 45), and the Down Syndrome community (HB 213).

In 2020, Representative Morales was elected to the Florida House of Representatives and served on the Education & Employment Committee, Post-Secondary Education & Lifelong Learning Subcommittee, Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee, Congressional Redistricting Subcommittee, and the Finance & Facilities Subcommittee. She also served on the Select Subcommittee for the Seminole Gaming Compact during her two-year term. During that time, the freshman state lawmaker made history in the Florida House by sponsoring and co-sponsoring over 100 bipartisan bills that were signed into law–more than any other freshman state representative during the 2020-2022 term.

Here’s a breakdown of Morales’ three sponsored bills in detail and the bills’ beneficiaries.

1. Disabled Veterans

Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans (HB 45)

Representative Morales sponsored House Bill 45, Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans, legislation which provides disabled veterans receiving certain federal educational assistance more benefits. They are eligible to receive a waiver for tuition and fees at certain institutions; the legislation provides calculation for the waiver amount; requires the amount awarded by the state to be contingent on application of specified federal benefits; requires institutions to submit an annual report to the Board of Governors and State Board of Education; and requires boards to adopt regulations and rules.

Florida lawmakers passed HB 45 earlier this year. The law provides an educational benefit to disabled veterans, allowing those who qualify as residents to attend state universities or career centers, and if they’re not qualified for the 100% eligibility tier federally, remaining tuition fees can be waived.

This law was so pivotal, it’s on a path to becoming a national model.

Florida and Louisiana Lawmakers Seek to Make Disabled Veterans Education Law a National Model – Florida National News

Democratic State Rep. Daisy Morales met virtually with Louisiana Republican State Rep. Beau Beaullieu (above right) about introducing legislation on educational opportunities for disabled veterans in the Pelican State.

Daisy Morales is lending a hand across the aisle, and across the Gulf. Image via Colin Hackley.

Morales hopes Florida could become a national model on veteran education.

“It’s great to work as partners to help disabled veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country with educational opportunities to eliminate challenges they face when they have given so much for our country and allow them to support their families,” Morales said when the bill was signed into law. “My office will work closely with other State Legislators looking to pass legislation for educational tuition assistance.”

2. Disabled Homeowners

In July of 2021, Rep. Morales and State Representative Michael Gottlieb (D-Broward) filed HB 13 – Property Tax Exemptions For Widows, Widowers, Blind Persons, or Persons Totally and Permanently Disabled, a 2022 bill increasing the homestead exemption for the widowed and disabled.

HB 13 proposes a 10x property tax exemption increase for residents who are widows, widowers, blind persons, or persons totally and permanently disabled from $500 to $5,000. The exemption would apply to tax years beginning on or after January 2023.

HB 13 was eventually amended into HB 7071, the largest tax relief bill in Florida’s history, offering $1.2 billion in tax relief to Floridians in the form of several tax holidays in addition to the 10x tax exemption increase for disabled homeowners.

3. Down Syndrome Community

Florida Representative Daisy Morales' Down Syndrome Specialty License Plate Signed into Law

In December of 2021, Rep. Morales drafted HB 213 – Specialty License Plates, proposing the sale of Down Syndrome specialty license plates, and breaking down where the proceeds would go:

  • Fifty percent would be used to build and maintain HOLLAND, an affordable housing project for independent living for persons with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.
  • Fifteen percent would be dedicated to World Changer scholarships provided by Our City Beautiful, a non-profit organization, for Florida residents 18 years of age or older with Down Syndrome who wish to further their education at Florida postsecondary educational institutions.
  • Thirty-five percent would be used for grants to other nonprofit organizations within this state to support housing, educational scholarships, and employment assistance programs for persons with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

The Senate companion bill, CS/CS/SB 364, which included Rep. Morales’ bill as well as bills for several other specialty license plates, was signed into law.

Leadership and Commitment to Advocacy

As a former vice chair of the Orange County Disability Advisory Board and longtime caretaker for her adult sister with Down Syndrome, Rep. Morales used her real life experiences to author and support legislation benefitting Floridians with disabilities once she got to Tallahassee. In addition to the three key disability-related bills she sponsored, she also co-sponsored HB 15 – Children with Developmental Delays, HB 173 – Care of Student with Epilepsy or Seizure Disorders, HB 235 – Restraint of Students with Disabilities in Public Schools, and HB 475 – Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Forms of Dementia Education and Public Awareness.

Morales also brought that commitment to District 48.

FILE - (l-r) Orlando District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz and State Representative Daisy Morales at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center. File photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

FILE – (l-r) Orlando District 2 Commissioner Tony Ortiz and State Representative Daisy Morales at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center. File photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

With April being Autism Awareness Month, Morales teamed up with District 2 Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz to host an Autism Awareness Day event at the Engelwood Neighborhood Center, located on South Semoran Blvd. The event featured vendors who serve the Autism community: attorneys, health care companies, small business owners, and even the arts community, all coming together to raise awareness of the services available in Central Florida for residents with autistic family members.

Rep. Morales proved herself a common sense champion over the past two years with a passion for helping one of Florida’s most vulnerable communities. The disabled community is the biggest winner of Rep. Morales’ legislative agenda during her time in the Florida House of Representatives.

That’s why Florida National News is proud to name Daisy Morales State Legislator of the Year for 2022.

“I’m honored to be recognized by Florida National News for this,” Morales said. “I also appreciate this media outlet for consistently reporting on the work my office was doing throughout my term. I fight to ensure the disability community is heard, because they need a voice in Tallahassee. As the sibling and caretaker of someone with Down Syndrome, I understand what the disability community needs and wanted to use the authority entrusted to me by the voters to give them what they need.”

Politics

Senator Osgood & Rep. Rosenwald Push Bill to Close Racial Gaps in Mental Health & Addiction Treatment

Published

on

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Senator Rosalind Osgood (D-Broward County) and Representative Mitch Rosenwald (D-Broward County) have introduced a new bill aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and substance abuse treatment across Florida. The legislation strengthens the state’s Closing the Gap grant program by expanding its scope to prioritize initiatives that address inequities in behavioral health care.

“Communities of color have long struggled with systemic barriers to mental health and substance abuse services,” said Senator Osgood. “This bill ensures that we take direct action by funding programs that support those most affected by these disparities.”

The proposed amendment to Section 381.7355, Florida Statutes, will explicitly recognize racial and ethnic disparities in mental health and substance use disorder rates as funding priorities. It will also mandate that grant funding be directed toward regions with the most significant gaps in access to care.

Representative Rosenwald emphasized the bill’s potential impact on health equity. “Black and brown communities experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, often due to systemic barriers,” he said. “By including ‘behavioral health and substance abuse’ as eligible grant categories, this bill will help direct vital resources to providers serving the most vulnerable populations.”

Impact of the Bill

If passed, the legislation will take effect on July 1, 2025, marking a significant step in Florida’s broader efforts to address health disparities. By prioritizing mental health and addiction services for underserved communities, the bill could lead to improved access to treatment, reduced hospitalization rates, and better long-term health outcomes. This measure builds upon previous efforts to combat disparities in maternal health, chronic disease, and social determinants of health.

Continue Reading

Politics

Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects Civil Rights and Merit-Based Opportunity by Ending Illegal DEI

Published

on

THE WHITE HOUSE – Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an historic Executive Order that protects the civil rights of all Americans and expands individual opportunity by terminating radical DEI preferencing in federal contracting and directing federal agencies to relentlessly combat private sector discrimination. It enforces long-standing federal statutes and faithfully advances the Constitution’s promise of colorblind equality before the law. This comprehensive order is the most important federal civil rights measure in decades:

  • It terminates “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) discrimination in the federal workforce, and in federal contracting and spending.
    • Federal hiring, promotions, and performance reviews will reward individual initiative, skills, performance, and hard work and not, under any circumstances, DEI-related factors, goals, policies, mandates, or requirements.
  • The order requires OMB to streamline the federal contracting process to enhance speed and efficiency, reduce costs, and require Federal contractors and subcontractors to comply with our civil rights laws.
    • It revokes Executive Order 11246 contracting criteria mandating affirmative action
    • It bars the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs from pushing contractors to balance their workforce based on race, sex, gender identity, sexual preference, or religion.
    • It requires simple and unmistakable affirmation that contractors will not engage in illegal discrimination, including illegal DEI.
  • It directs all departments and agencies to take strong action to end private sector DEI discrimination, including civil compliance investigations.
  • It mandates the Attorney General and the Secretary of Education issue joint guidance regarding the measures and practices required to comply with the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard.

RESTORING THE VALUES OF INDIVIDUAL DIGNITY, HARD WORK, AND EXCELLENCE: Individual dignity, hard work, and excellence are fundamental to American greatness. This Executive Order reaffirms these values by ending the Biden-Harris Administration’s anti-constitutional and deeply demeaning “equity” mandates, terminating DEI, and protecting civil rights:

  • Reversing the progress made in the decades since the Civil Rights Act of 1964 toward a colorblind and competence-based workplace, radical DEI has dangerously tainted many of our critical businesses and influential institutions, including the federal government.
  • In the private sector, many corporations and universities use DEI as an excuse for biased and unlawful employment practices and illegal admissions preferences, ignoring the fact that DEI’s foundational rhetoric and ideas foster intergroup hostility and authoritarianism.
    • Billions of dollars are spent annually on DEI, but rather than reducing bias and promoting inclusion, DEI creates and then amplifies prejudicial hostility and exacerbates interpersonal conflict.

PRESIDENT TRUMP PROMISED AND DELIVERED: President Trump promised to terminate DEI in the federal government, protect equal opportunity, and force schools to end discriminatory admissions policies, and he delivered.

  • Every man and woman should have the opportunity to go as far as their hard work, individual initiative, and competence can take them. In America, excellence, grit, and determination is our strength.

Continue Reading

Politics

Monique Worrell’s Triumphant Return as State Attorney Celebrated at Orlando MLK Parade

Published

on

State Attorney Monique Worrell Receives Overwhelming Support at 2025 Orlando MLK Parade, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The streets of Downtown Orlando were alive with celebration as the 41st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Parade unfolded along Orange Avenue. Among the procession of floats, marching bands, and community groups, Orange-Osceola County State Attorney Monique Worrell stood out as a beloved figure, earning cheers and adoration from attendees.

State Attorney Monique Worrell visibly moved by community support at the 41st Orlando MLK Parade, Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J Willie David, III

Worrell’s appearance at the parade felt like a victory walk as she received enthusiastic applause, countless handshakes, and heartfelt hugs from parade-goers. Many described her as “the people’s State Attorney,” a sentiment visibly etched on Worrell’s face as she smiled and engaged with the community.

MLK Parade attendees gathered in Downtown Orlando on Saturday, January 18, 2025, to support Monique Worrell’s return as State Attorney. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III.

The outpouring of support came on the heels of Worrell’s remarkable political comeback. In the 2024 election, Worrell defeated Andrew Bain, who was appointed as State Attorney by Governor Ron DeSantis after her controversial suspension in 2023. Worrell’s re-election was a powerful statement from voters who stood by her leadership. She was officially sworn in on January 7, 2025, reclaiming her role with renewed determination.

State Attorney Monique Worrell’s Chief of Staff, Keisha Mulfort, smiles during the 2025 MLK Parade as the duo returns to the State Attorney’s Office to ensure the safety of Orange and Osceola County citizens on Saturday, January 18, 2025. Photo by Florida National News / J. Willie David, III.

Worrell’s presence at the MLK Parade carried a symbolic resonance. The event, held in honor of Dr. King’s legacy of justice and equality, paralleled Worrell’s fight to return to office and her commitment to justice for all. Her supporters praised her resilience and unwavering dedication to the community.

“Monique Worrell represents what leadership should look like,” said one attendee. “She stands up for the people and fights for what’s right, no matter the obstacles.”

The MLK Parade served not only as a celebration of Dr. King’s impact but also as a moment of triumph and unity for Worrell and her constituents.

__________________________________________________________________________-

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending