Politics
Florida Chamber of Commerce Unveils 2023 Legislative Report Card
Published
2 years agoon

Today, the Florida Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2023 How They Voted. A comprehensive review of what passed this legislative session, what didn’t, and what remains unfinished business, How They Voted reveals the Florida Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Report Card, showcasing grades earned by all 159 legislators in the Florida House and Senate based on their votes during the 2023 Legislative Session, and recognizes the Florida Chamber’s Most Valuable Legislator and Distinguished Advocates.
“Florida welcomes $4.48M per hour, and a unified business community is how we will keep Florida’s economy growing and competitive,” said Florida Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Mark Wilson. “I want to thank Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, Speaker Paul Renner and the pro-jobs legislators who continued to put Florida’s business climate first by prioritizing the growth of private sector jobs and diversifying our economy.
Representative Tommy Gregory has been named the 2023 Florida Chamber of Commerce’s Most Valuable Legislator, the business community’s premier legislative award, for his leadership in rebalancing Florida’s civil justice system and strengthening Florida’s competitiveness through historic lawsuit abuse reform. As Chair of the House Judiciary Committee, Representative Gregory worked tirelessly to ensure the passage of HB 837, a generational lawsuit abuse reform package that will improve Florida’s bottom-five legal climate and reduce the more than $5,000 in lawsuit abuse taxes that each family pays in the form of higher-priced goods and services.
DISTINGUISHED ADVOCATE AWARDS:
In addition, the Florida Chamber awarded 22 Legislators the 2023 Distinguished Advocate Award. The Florida Chamber’s Distinguished Advocate Award recognizes lawmakers who ensured consideration of the business community’s legislative priorities and fought tirelessly for the passage of a Chamber-backed policy or a priority piece of pro-jobs legislation. For a full description of the leadership each legislator exhibited to earn the distinction, click here.
2023 Distinguished Advocate Recipients:
Senator Jim Boyd
Senator Alexis Calatayud
Senator Nick DiCeglie
Senator Travis Hutson
Senate President Kathleen Passidomo
Senator Corey Simon
Senator Linda Stewart
Senator Jay Trumbull
Senator Clay Yarborough
Representative Alex Andrade
Representative Dean Black
Representative Robbie Brackett
Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera
Representative Wyman Duggan
Representative Tom Fabricio
Representative Griff Griffitts
Representative Tom Leek
Representative Stan McClain
Representative Lauren Melo
House Speaker Paul Renner
Representative Dana Trabulsy
Representative Kaylee Tuck
REPORT CARD:
The Florida Chamber’s 2023 Legislative Report Card is an annual opportunity to recognize members of the Florida Legislature who placed making Florida more competitive through support for free enterprise over special interests and attempts to protect the status quo. The Report Card also lets Florida families, small businesses, taxpayers and voters know who voted in favor of private sector job creation and a stronger, more diversified economy.
After tabulating 5,819 votes cast during the 2023 Legislative Session, the Florida Chamber’s Legislative Report Card shows:
- Average GPA for both legislative chambers was 82 percent
- Average Senate GPA was 85 percent
- Average House GPA was 82 percent
Lawmakers who earned high grades this legislative session focused on important competitiveness issues such as:
- Ending Florida’s “Judicial Hellhole” Standing and Improving Florida’s Bottom-Five Lawsuit Abuse Climate: Reduces our lawsuit abuse tax of more than $5,000 that each Florida family pays by aligning several elements of Florida’s civil justice system to most other states, such as reducing the statute of limitations, increasing transparency to juries, and appropriately allocating fault in negligence claims. For more information on this generational legal reform package, click here.
- Affordable Workforce Housing: The “live local” act increases funding for state and local affordable housing programs, relaxes burdensome regulations, and incentivizes the private market to increase the availability and affordability of housing so each Floridian can live in the community in which they work. Greater access to affordable housing will help employers attract and retain a competitive workforce.
- Workforce Development: Continues to build Florida’s talent pipeline by aligning education systems with industry to increase access to work-based learning opportunities such as apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, career and technical education, and on the job training.
- Innovation in Transportation: Builds on the work of the Florida Chamber’s Autonomous Floridainitiative to become the mobility innovation capital of the world by creating a system to grade Florida’s highways for autonomous vehicle use and allows for collaboration, research, testing and market delivery of mobility solutions at the Implementing Solutions from Transportation Research and Evaluating Emerging Technologies (I-Street) lab at the University of Florida.
- Rural Economic Development: Improves access to state and federal financial assistance and economic development programs to boost economic activity in rural communities, which will help meet the 2030 Blueprintgoal of doubling the rural share of state gross domestic product.
- Fiscal Cliff Reform: Encourages a pathway to prosperity by reducing “fiscal cliffs” and phasing in costs for parents that qualify for subsidized health insurance under Kidcare, so they are not choosing between a small increase in their paycheck or health insurance for their child.
- Universal School Choice: Expands school choice so a student’s zip code is not the primary factor determining a student’s opportunity for earned success. The passage of universal school choice ensures every family can choose the best learning environment for their children, which should boost educational outcomes and better position Florida’s current learners to become earners in the 21stcentury global economy
- Paycheck Protection: Brings transparency and accountability around government sector union dues by prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars to collect dues and empowers the Public Employees Relations Commission to certify and decertify unions.
GRADES ARE EARNED USING A TRANSPARENT GRADING PROCESS:
- The Florida Chamber’s legislative grading process is both transparent and accountable.
- The Florida Business Agenda (FBA) was announced in concert with the opening of the 2023 Legislative Session.
- The Florida Business Agenda, outlined in the Chamber’s annual Where We Stand publication was delivered to each member of the Florida Legislature in advance of voting.
- Florida Chamber leadership raised awareness to the legislative agenda through meetings with numerous media, legislators and staff in advance of session, during the interim committee weeks, over the nine-week legislative session.
- Most importantly, prior to each vote graded on the Report Card, a “Your Vote Matters” letter outlining the pro-business position and the Florida Chamber’s intent to score the vote was transmitted to voting members of the legislature.
To see the grades received by each of Florida’s 159 Legislators following the 2023 Legislative Session, visit https://reportcard.flchamber.com/.
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Politics
Senator Osgood & Rep. Rosenwald Push Bill to Close Racial Gaps in Mental Health & Addiction Treatment
Published
4 days agoon
February 9, 2025By
Willie David
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.
Politics
Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Protects Civil Rights and Merit-Based Opportunity by Ending Illegal DEI
Published
3 weeks agoon
January 22, 2025
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.
Politics
Monique Worrell’s Triumphant Return as State Attorney Celebrated at Orlando MLK Parade
Published
4 weeks agoon
January 18, 2025By
Willie David
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
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