Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby
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It was Valentine's Day on Tuesday and Florida Democrats had a rare lovefest moment with Gov. Ron DeSantis, praising him for the work he and his administration have done to protect kids around the state.
Rep. Michele Rayner-Goolsby unveiled her Social Media Protection for Minors bill, a legislative measure that she says is aligned with Gov. DeSantis's effort to protect children from exploitation and abuse at the hands of Big Tech.
Rep. Rayner Goolsby has butted heads with the Governor in the recent future over his efforts to stomp out "wokeness" in the state, so it was interesting to see the Progressive firebrand give DeSantis big kudos for his work with children.
In addition, Sen. Shevrin "Shev" Jones, who is one of the Senate sponsors along with Sen. Jim Byrd, also praised the state's pro-children initiatives.
Yes, Sen. Jones, who has gone as far as to call DeSantis a racist for scrapping AP African American studies, is aligned with the Governor on this issue but did not bring him a Valentine's Day card.
Republican Rep. Tyler Sirois was also in attendance to lend his support for the bill. READ MORE
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Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book and Sen. Tina Polsky spoke to reporters this week on the 5-year anniversary of the tragic Parkland school shooting that left 17 children and teachers dead.
The lawmakers are not calling for a ban on guns, but rather on reforms that will lead to firearms being stored properly. Leader Book also made the case for a comprehensive firearm training course for gun owners. READ MORE
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Without question, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is the undisputed GOAT of past Florida Governors.
Nothing gets through the Florida Legislature without the Gov. DeSantis having a say in it.
According to one Republican lawmaker, who asked that we kept his or her name out of any story or posting, said that just about every bill that is introduced is done so only after DeSantis and his administration have left their fingerprints on it, and given the measure the nod of approval.
It's DeSantis's world and Republican lawmakers are just playing in his sandbox.
The same lawmaker and another lobbyist also said that they believe DeSantis's call for several special legislative sessions was by design to lighten the customary heavy load on lawmakers every legislative session brings.
This upcoming legislative session should move swiftly and pain-free because DeSantis is expected to announce a run for President in 2024.
Fort Lauderdale-based Tripp/Scott will be hosting Fox News Host Pete Hegseth on February 16th as he promotes his new book, “Battle for the American Mind.”
Lauren Book-5 years… Today & every day, we remember Alyssa, Scott, Martin, Nicholas, Aaron, Jaime, Chris, Luke, Cara, Gina, Joaquin, Alaina, Meadow, Helena, Alex, Carmen, & Peter. We will never forget. We will never stop seeking ways to honor your lives.
Representative Fentrice Driskell-Today, we mourn the lives taken during the Parkland mass shooting five years ago. May we honor these 17 lives today and everyday as we advocate for responsible gun ownership and communities safe from gun violence.
Jared Moskowitz-I realized that after gathering with parents today that buried their children in #parkland after the shooting that I am not okay, and that’s okay. We shouldn’t be okay watching other parents put their kids in the ground because we can’t keep our kids safe at school.
Hunter Pollack-Today marks five years since Meadow and 16 others were murdered in Parkland. Please keep the victims and our families in your prayers . To our first responders, my family, and friends, from the bottom of my heart thank you for your continued love and support.
Marco Rubio-Today we remember the 17 innocent lives lost at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas massacre 5 years ago today And we honor the families of the victims whose advocacy has resulted in meaningful changes
Ron DeSantis-Today, I ask all Floridians to pause for a moment of silence at 10:17am to honor the 17 innocent lives lost at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre.
We will continue to honor their memory in word and in deed and extend our sympathies to the Parkland community.
"Florida Democrats Align with DeSantis on Protecting Children" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—Florida politics has welcomed a conservative hegemony unlike any other in the nation as a result of Gov. Ron DeSantis's "Florida First agenda." And now it appears as if Florida Democrats have read the writing on the wall and are aligning themselves with Gov. DeSantis  on protecting children from the dangers of... READ MORE
"Rubio: This Isn't About Aliens" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—As the United States has shot down several unidentified flying objects, including the Chinese spy balloon, in the past couple of weeks, growing questions and concerns from citizens have been left unanswered... READ MORE
"Salazar Secures Critical Infrastructure Funds" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R) announced that she has secured millions in critical infrastructure funds for Miami. READ MORE
"Senate Democrats Book and Polsky Push 'Florida Freedom Gun Carry Class'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D) and State Senator Tina Polsky (D) held a Tuesday, February 14th, 10 am press conference to discuss the Republican-controlled legislature's plan to pass permitless carry gun legislation. READ MORE
"DeSantis when asked about Presidential Run: 'Wouldn't You Like to Know'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Jacksonville, FL – Earlier today, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) spoke about a variety of issues from a possible Presidential run to College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program to potentially inappropriate books in schools at a press conference in the northeastern part of the state. READ MORE
"DeSantis Introduces Legislation Proposal to Combat ESG Practices" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and his administration just recently introduced bicameral proposal to the state legislature. The bill, according to Gov. DeSantis, will aim to “protect Floridians from the Woke ESG Financial Scam.” The bill proposal was announced in collaboration with State Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-FL) and State Speaker Paul Renner (R-FL). READ MORE
"Buchanan Talks Making Tax Cuts Permanent" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL) is pressing to make the cuts featured in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 permanent. Named the TCJA Permanency Act, the reintroduction of this bill receives support from 72 other Republicans in the House of Representatives, including nearly all of Florida's congressional delegation. READ MORE
"Diaz-Balart Requests EPA Transparency Following Massive Fire in Doral" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Last weekend, as the rest of the nation, was preparing for the Super Bowl, the city of Doral was dealing with a massive fire at an energy facility with the flames spreading to 4 different buildings and covering “approximately the size of two football fields. READ MORE
"Fried Running for Florida Democratic Party Chair" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—READ MORE
"Moskowitz Demands Transparency on UFOs Shot Down in Canada" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Three more unidentified flying objects (UFOs) have been shot down over the US and Canada. With recovery of debris underway, the US issues a statement that the objects' origins are unknown. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) isn't so sure, saying in a recent appearance on MSNBC's Politics Nation that "they know what they’re shooting at. It’s not that they don’t know they just haven’t told us." READ MORE
"Levine Cava Issues Statement on Turkey & Syria Earthquakes" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—READ MORE
"Salazar Reintroduces REEF Act" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—READ MORE
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"Lawmakers Back More Migrant Flights to Sanctuary Cities, States" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE --- After a sometimes-emotional debate about immigrants and the nation’s border policies, state lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a plan that likely will lead to Florida transporting more migrants to “sanctuary” areas of the country. READ MORE
"Gaetz Demands Answers About Lobbying 'Revolving Door'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—During the House Select Committee on Weaponization of the Federal Government's first hearing, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) corners Elliot Williams about the "revolving door" of lobbyists and government employees. READ MORE
"Democrats eye Fried to Lead Florida Dems" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Charlie Crist (D) defeated Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried (D) in the 2022 gubernatorial primary, but Fried is now making headlines. Florida Democrats are vying for new leadership, and in a recent letter, they outline why Fried is the right choice to lead them. READ MORE
"House Democrat Cherfilus-McCormick Says Democrats Need a 'Come to Jesus Moment'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—In a recent interview with The Floridian, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) discussed the state of the Florida Democratic Party, even as state Democrats look to former state Senator Annette Taddeo, and possibly former Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried, to possibly lead them.
"WESH 2 Fined for Disallowing Scotty Moore to Debate Darren Soto During Midterms" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—During the past election cycle, incumbent Congressman Darren Soto (D-FL) outlasted challenger Scotty Moore (R) by 7 points. However, the result did not come without controversy. READ MORE
"Rubio Dismisses Claims of Balloons Previously Flying Over US" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich-The US Senate held a classified briefing over the Chinese balloon shot down this past week over the Atlantic. All 100 members, including Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, attended. READ MORE
"Democrat Cherfilus-McCormick Warns of Socialism's Dangers [VIDEO]" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—READ MORE
"Florida Congressional Legislators Launch Everglades Caucus" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—With Everglades restoration being a bipartisan issue in the state of Florida, both at the state and federal level, it is appropriate that Florida members of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 118th Congress (as well as Senator Marco Rubio, R-FL) have come together to launch the Everglades Caucus. READ MORE
"Buchanan Blames Republicans and Democrats for Massive $31 Trillion National Debt" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The overwhelming majority of Americans support a federal balanced budget amendment to control the perceived out-of-control and reckless spending in Washington that has led to a $31 Trillion national debt. READ MORE
"Ilhan Omar Believes Biden is Weak on Immigration Reform" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Washington, D.C. – Following the State of the Union address given by President Joe Biden (D) last Tuesday night, lawmakers were asked to opine on the issues, like illegal immigration, addressed in the President's speech. READ MORE
"Waltz Responds to Biden Immigration Plan After SOTU" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—As the nation is transitioning from its immediate reaction to President Biden’s (D) State of the Union address to now reacting to others’ reactions of the speech, The Floridian was able to catch up with Representative Michael Waltz (R-FL). to get his response to the annual address to the nation. READ MORE
"Frost Calls Florida's 'Constitutional Carry' Bill 'Disgraceful'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Florida Republicans have proposed a "Constitutional Carry" bill that would allow gun owners to permitless carry a firearm in the state. With Republicans supporting the bill, Democrats have chided the legislation. In an exclusive interview with The Floridian, Rep. Maxwell Frost (D) called the bill "disgraceful." READ MORE
"Scott Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Increase Domestic Semiconductor Production" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—During his second State of the Union address last night, President Joe Biden (D) mentioned the fact that the United States is responsible for so many of the world’s greatest, revolutionary inventions, yet a lot of them are now produced overseas. READ MORE
"Moody Pressures Biden to Designate Cartel as Terrorists" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—READ MORE
"Gimenez Says Biden's Polices Driving 'America in the Wrong Direction'" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—With President Joe Biden (D) giving his State of the Union Address last night, members of the legislative branch were decisive in giving their thoughts and opinions concerning the event. READ MORE
"Moskowitz Calls Out House Republicans on Fentanyl at Border" by The Floridian's Grayson—During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing on border security, Florida's Rep. Jared Moksowitz (D-23) calls out House Republicans for the politicized nature of the issue rather than the problem of fentanyl itself, which is primarily smuggled through ports of entry. READ MORE
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The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina
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