JUICE —Florida Politics' Juicy Read 🍊 —3.10.2023 — Gun Rights Fight in FL Senate—School Choice Moves Along in DeSantis's Legislature—Much More...0

 

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Guns, Guns, Guns

 

Senator Jay Collins’s new gun bill—SB 150—brought out the anti-gun lobby and all its color this week in Tallahassee against gun rights.

Sen. Collins had a bullseye painted on his back for filing the bill, and the anti-gun activist that attended Thursday’s committee meeting in the Knott building focused on Collins and his ‘child-killing’ measure.

Outside of several activists being thrown out for unruly behavior, activists could openly express their opposition to the bill.

Moms Demand Action, the NRA, Gun Owners of America, and Equality Florida, were all present to say their peace on the gun bill. READ MORE

Education Reform

Part of the education reform agenda that Florida lawmakers and Gov. Ron DeSantis are pushing this legislative session includes school choice.

This week, HB 1 cleared the House Education and Employment Committee, moving closer to a vote in the Florida Legislature. It’s expected to pass as Speaker Paul Renner (R) has made the bill one of his top priorities.

Florida parents overwhelmingly support school choice.

This bill will be signed into law. READ MORE

 

Presidential Campaign (Oops! We Meant Book Tour)

Gov. DeSantis flew into Davenport, Iowa early Thursday evening to continue his “book tour.” DeSantis has two scheduled events in Iowa before he heads to Nevada, where he will judge a contest of Elvis Presley impersonators.

Of course, we are kidding. DeSantis’ trip to Nevada is another “book tour” stop, but who is to say that he doesn’t drop a couple of coins in a slot machine or visit the Liberace Museum?

State Rep. Angie Nixon-Change won’t come overnight, you gotta speak up, speak out, and get in the way. Get into good trouble, necessary trouble, and then we can redeem the soul of America. Thanks @MomsDemand, Mr. Drummond, Mrs. Patricia Ward & guest for visiting the Capitol!

Rep. Michele K. Rayner-Goolsby-Our bill HB 591: Social Media Protections for Minors passed the House Regulatory Reform committee today!! Thank you Rep. Sirois for your partnership and my colleagues for your favorable support.

Danny Burgess-Great to see unanimous support for @byeager76 's #socialmediasafety bill in House committee today! This is an issue that transcends politics—it’s about protecting our kids. SB52 & HB379 will teach them about the effects of social media & help keep schools distraction free.

FL DFS-CFO Patronis will always fight to protect the 2nd Amendment rights of Floridians.

 

"School Choice Bills Gain Momentum in Florida" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—The issue of school choice has been a hotly debated topic across the country, and it appears that school choice proposals are gaining momentum in the sunshine state. With Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signaling his support for school choice, the state could go on to join a growing list of states that have expanded the measure.

"DeSantis's SB 150 Gun Bill Draws Over-the-Top Testimony From Gun Control Activist" by the Floridian's Javier Manjarres—When debate and discussion for Florida Senator Jay Collins’ (R) Gov. Ron DeSantis- supported SB 150 gun measure was announced, fireworks and heated public outcry on the measure were expected.

"Florida Gun Rights Activist Calls DeSantis' Leadership 'Impotent' and 'Weak'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—At a recent Senate Committee meeting to discuss Sen. Jay Collins SB 1715 gun bill, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) – who was not at the meeting – was challenged by Florida residents such as Matt Collins on the issue of constitutional carry.

"Mills Says Biden 'Singlehandedly' Armed Taliban Through Afghanistan Withdrawal" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Prior to the House Foreign Affairs Committee's first hearing on the infamous 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, Representative Cory Mills (R-FL) had harsh words for President Biden on Fox's Mornings with Maria, saying the President "singlehandedly armed one of the world's worst terrorist organizations."

"Gaetz's Bill to Withdraw U.S. Troops From Syria Voted Down" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Representative Matt Gaetz's (R-FL) War Powers Resolution to withdraw US troops remaining in Syria has been voted down.

"Florida Lawmaker Files the 'Gold Standard' of Anti-Illegal Immigration Bills" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—After Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis held a press conference in Jacksonville to address the “Biden Border Crisis” that has affected Florida, State Senator Blaise Ingoglia was tasked to help frame tough legislation that would spearhead DeSantis's immigration agenda.

"Scott Declares President Biden a 'Hypocrite'" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—On Capitol Hill, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) called President Joe Biden (D) a “hypocrite” and said that he “has no idea how to balance a budget,” during an interview on Fox News.

"Waltz Calls Kerry a National Security Threat" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Mike Waltz (R) has penned an op-ed, going after Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry (D). In the op-ed, Rep. Waltz calls Kerry a threat to national security, arguing that Kerry isn't tough on China.

"Buchanan, Castor Want Permanent Drilling Moratorium" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Reps. Vern Buchanan (R) and Kathy Castor (D) have announced new bipartisan legislation. Rep. Buchanan, who is the co-chair of the bipartisan Florida delegation, announced legislation that would make permanent current drilling moratorium.

"Eskamani Chides Proposed 6 Week Abortion Ban" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"DeSantis Holds 'Exposing the Book Ban Hoax' Press Event" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D) is pushing back against Republican legislation that would set a 6-week abortion ban. This comes at a time when Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has vowed to maintain Florida a "pro-life" state.

"Lauren Book Gives State of State Rebuttal" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Recently, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) gave his State of the State address to the Florida Legislature and to the Floridians around the state. However, in the tradition of civil discourse in the United States, the Florida Democrats offered their rebuttal to the Governor’s speech, given by State Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book (D-FL).

"DeSantis Declares Florida is a 'Pro-Life' State" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hit Florida Democratic lawmakers over the head with his pro-life position during the State of the State address.

"DeSantis Talks Parents in Education Following State of the State Address" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—TALLAHASSEE – Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) gave his State of the State address today in front of the state legislature. He answered questions from the media following the speech and spoke on gender ideology in schools which perhaps, since the waning of COVID, has been his marquee issue.

"State of the State: Images" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres

"Democratic Lawmakers Ignored Praise for First Lady DeSantis, Law Enforcement" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE— The stark division and animosity that exists between Democratic and Republican lawmakers in the Florida Legislature, was in full display during the 2023 State of the State address.

"Penguin Publishing Pushes 'GayBCs' for Children in Response to Florida Law" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—As Americans come to know Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) and review his agenda, they will come to find that a lot of his gubernatorial platform is dedicated to what some might call “the culture wars.”

"Winner Decided Between Rubio and Buttigieg's Heavyweight Bout" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) is not hesitant to discuss his feelings toward the job performance of Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

"DeSantis Does 'Not Support' Forcing Bloggers to Register With State" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—TALLAHASSEE—No sooner than Sen. Jason Brodeur introduced his legislative measure requiring compensated “bloggers” to register with the State of Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis struck down the bill.

"DeSantis Invokes 'Gipper' in new Advertisement" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina—Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) continues to highlight his "Freedom Blueprint." While the Governor voices the advancements that Florida has undertaken during his tenure, he also continues to fuel speculation of a presidential run. In a newly-released advertisement, DeSantis invokes the 'Gipper' President Ronald Reagan (R).

"Byron Donalds Condemns Atlanta Police Training Facility Attack" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Over the past weekend, protests against Atlanta's "Cop City" training facility turned violent. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) issues a statement on the attack, saying that "The attacks on Atlanta law enforcement officials by lawless anarchists are abhorrent & speak to the real-life impacts of the Defund The Police movement."

"DeSantis's Florida Legislature Seeks to Lower Gun-Buying Age to 18" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres— TALLAHASSEE --- Two House Republicans in Gov. Ron DeSantis's Florida Legislature on Monday filed a proposal that would lower the minimum age from 21 to 18 to buy rifles and other “long” guns, potentially scrapping a high-profile change passed after the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland.

"Stan McClain's Senate Run Endorsed by Rep. Tom Leek" by The Floridian's Jim McCool

"AG Ashley Moody Recounts Numerous Victories for Consumers" by The Floridian's Jim McCool—For National Consumer Protection Week, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL) is highlighting her accomplishments in protecting Florida consumers during her time as the Attorney General.

"Floridians Continue Paying High Gas Prices Under Biden" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Gas prices have skyrocketed since President Joe Biden took office, more than doubling the cost per gallon when former President Donald Trump was in office, and Floridans, all Americans, are feeling the pain at the pump.

"Mast Takes China, Biden to Task" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—Since winning the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives, Republican lawmakers have been focused on passing meaningful bipartisan legislation, and on taking on the Democratic colleagues and the Biden administration.

"Trump Could Hold Clear Foreign Policy Advantage over DeSantis (VIDEO)" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—The 2024 Republican Presidential primary race could turn out to be contentious for former President Donald Trump if Governor Ron DeSantis (FL) enters the contest.

"Florida Republicans Pounce on Biden's Dodge of COVID-19 Origins Question" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—“On COVID origin, will you hold China Accountable?” That was the question Reporter Iris Tao posed to President Joe Biden on Friday as he approached White House reporters,

"Will a President Ron DeSantis Play in the D.C. 'Swamp?'" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—As the promise (or the threat) of a Ron DeSantis Presidential run seems more likely by the day, questions and hypotheticals have come across the minds of politicians and pundits around the nation concerning the atmosphere that a DeSantis Presidency would entail; Questions such as how the Florida Governor will interact with the Washington elite and big wigs.

"Air Quality Disputed Despite Record Clean Air Under DeSantis" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—Progressive environmental groups like the Sierra Club, and Friends of the Everglades, coupled with the so-called “non-profit” newsroom, ProPublica, have continued to claim air polluted from prescribed burning in South Florida, even under Gov. Ron DeSantis's watch.

"Scott Introduces Bill to Teach Students the 'Dangers of Communism' by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—Debates about how to teach history to children and young adults have raged on across the nation (especially in Florida) recently. Discourse concerning ideals such as American Exceptionalism, Critical Race Theory (CRT), and Marxism has led to legislators on both sides of the aisle taking action.

"Rubio, Scott Urge Biden to Allow Unvaccinated Djokovic to Compete in Miami" by The Floridian's Jackson Bakich—For those who do not keep up with the world of tennis, world number one and Serbian national Novak Djokovic has dominated the sport by holding the top spot internationally for a record 378 weeks.

"Salazar Secures Funding for Environmental Efforts" by The Floridian's Daniel Molina

"Florida Legislature Looks to Safeguard Children From Sex-Reassignment Procedures" by The Floridian's Javier Manjarres—The pro-Transgender sex reassignment lobby, including former Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith (D), have come out in force to express their disdain against State Senator Clay Yarborough’s Treatments for Sex Reassignment (SB 254) measure file last Friday.

"Moskowitz: US Cannot Rely on China, Must 'Diversify' Trade Relationships" by The Floridian's Grayson Bakich—More members of Congress are rethinking the U.S. economic relationship with China. Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) appeared on Fox Business' Cavuto Coast to Coast, and said that "America can’t be 100% reliant on any foreign power, including China."

The JUICE is squeezed by Javier Manjarres, Jim McCool, and Daniel Molina