EXCLUSIVE: Republican Lawmaker Talks Communism, Adoption, Veterans' Rights

EXCLUSIVE: Republican Lawmaker Talks Communism, Adoption, Veterans' Rights

Liv Caputo
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February 2, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Top Republican Lawmaker Sen. Jay Collins has proposed a slew of hard-hitting bills this session, covering issues ranging from foster homes to communism to veterans. In an exclusive interview with the Floridian, he outlined his wide-ranging agenda for 2024's legislative season. "I am unequivocally pro-life," Collins, who is adopted, said of his child permanency […]
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Florida Bill Banning Corporal Punishment for Disabled Students Passes House Committee

Florida Bill Banning Corporal Punishment for Disabled Students Passes House Committee

Liv Caputo
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January 31, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A bill banning corporal punishment for students with disabilities passed the House Education Quality Subcommittee unanimously, surprising residents and representatives alike in that corporal punishment still exists within some public schools. "While most counties have banned the practice, corporal punishment is still allowed in 19 counties in Florida," HB 439's sponsor, Democratic Rep. Katherine […]
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Keiser University at the Capitol: Covers Education, Nursing Shortages, Athletics

Keiser University at the Capitol: Covers Education, Nursing Shortages, Athletics

Liv Caputo
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January 31, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Keiser University kicked off its "Keiser Days at the Capitol" with a Wednesday morning press conference. Joined by Republican Rep. Randy Fine, the college's leaders discussed higher education, nursing shortages, and athletic success. "My message is simply that we live in a great state," Belinda Keiser, the Vice Chancellor of the University, said, "If […]
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James Madison Institute Applauds Striking of DEI in Florida College Systems

James Madison Institute Applauds Striking of DEI in Florida College Systems

Liv Caputo
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January 26, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL—Florida's State Board of Education announced last week their imposition of "strict regulations" on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives on college campuses, leading the James Madison Institute, a libertarian non-profit think tank, to laud the state's efforts. The board's ruling will prohibit taxpayer funds going toward DEI programs and replaces the "Principles of Sociology" […]
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Education Bill Would Ban Instruction on Systemic Oppression in Teacher Prep Curriculums

Education Bill Would Ban Instruction on Systemic Oppression in Teacher Prep Curriculums

Liv Caputo
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January 22, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL—A new education bill would prohibit teachers' prep classes from including a curriculum on the existence of systemic racism, sexism, or oppression in Florida institutions. The bill would also prevent "identity politics" and any "distortion of historical events". "I am looking for the best environment for our students so they can be as successful […]
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Bundle of Bills to be Debated in the Third Week of the Legislative Session

Bundle of Bills to be Debated in the Third Week of the Legislative Session

Liv Caputo
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January 22, 2024
TALLAHASSEE, FL—As Lawmakers enter the third week of the Legislative Session, with it comes a slew of hard-hitting bills, sure to ignite debate in both chambers. This week's agenda covers sex reassignment insurance coverage, the banning of identity politics in teacher preparation courses, drunk driving, and much more. Licenses and Drunk Driving Monday will see […]
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Ted Cruz Endorses Donald Trump, Predicts Blow Out in GOP Primary

Ted Cruz Endorses Donald Trump, Predicts Blow Out in GOP Primary

Jim McCool
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January 17, 2024
After a stellar performance in the Iowa Caucus, former President Donald Trump (R) has won the endorsement of US Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX). President Trump was declared the winner within the first hour of vote counting in the Iowa Caucus.  Winning 98 counties and carrying 51% of the vote helped the president best Governor Ron DeSantis […]
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Waltz Grills Former West Point Teacher on DEI

Waltz Grills Former West Point Teacher on DEI

Grayson Bakich
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January 12, 2024
The US military has suffered a recruiting crisis as many claim the institution is becoming politicized. Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL) engaged in a lengthy questioning of the former head of West Point's history department, Brigadier Gen. Ty Seidule (Ret.), on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives being introduced into West Point's curriculum, to which Seidule […]
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Castor Welcomes 20 New Electric School Buses to Hillsborough County

Castor Welcomes 20 New Electric School Buses to Hillsborough County

Jackson Bakich
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January 10, 2024
Representative Kathy Castor (D-FL) has announced that Hillsborough County Public Schools are receiving a $7.9 million grant for 20 new electric buses awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The EPA has instituted its Clean School Bus Program which has granted almost $1 billion in funds toward environmentally cleaner forms […]
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Governor DeSantis Declares State of Emergency for Winter Storm

Governor DeSantis Declares State of Emergency for Winter Storm

Jim McCool
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January 9, 2024
In the wake of an abrupt and devastating winter storm, Governor DeSantis (R-FL) declared a state of emergency in 49 Florida counties after the weather barreled through the middle of the state. What is being called, "The Winter Storm" put many parts of the country on high alert.  Tornado warnings were in effect on Tuesday […]
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Shevrin Jones Accuses FL GOP of 'Trolling' Kamala Harris with Slavery Bill

Shevrin Jones Accuses FL GOP of 'Trolling' Kamala Harris with Slavery Bill

Jackson Bakich
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January 4, 2024
Republicans in both chambers of the Florida Legislature introduced the Kamala Harris Truth in Slavery Teaching Act, bringing some controversy alongside it. State Senator Shevrin Jones (D-FL) provided a statement, calling the bill an “aimless, desperate trolling of Vice President Harris.” The legislation, introduced by State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-FL) and State Representative Kiyan Michael […]
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Rep. Chuck Clemons Endorses Chad Johnson for Florida House

Rep. Chuck Clemons Endorses Chad Johnson for Florida House

Jim McCool
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December 12, 2023
State Rep. Chuck Clemons (R-FL) has made a key endorsement of Levy County Commissioner Chad Johnson (R-FL) who is running to succeed Clemons in the upcoming election in House District 22. Clemons has been term-limited this election cycle, reaching the maximum time allotted to a representative in the Florida House.  Clemons has been serving since […]
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Megan Weinberger Aligned With DeSantis on Parental Rights and Prayer in Schools

Megan Weinberger Aligned With DeSantis on Parental Rights and Prayer in Schools

Javier Manjarres
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September 11, 2023
Florida Gov Ron DeSantis has overhauled the process of how parents and schools interact in the state since he first took office. Now more and more Floridians are running for elective office and towing the historic and somewhat controversial Parental Right in Education law that the Governor signed in 2022. Megan Weinberger, who runs an […]
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Bean Introduces the FREEZE Act, Stopping Hirings at DoE

Bean Introduces the FREEZE Act, Stopping Hirings at DoE

Jackson Bakich
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August 8, 2023
In response to the growing concerns made by parents surrounding the government’s influence on their children’s education, Representative Aaron Bean (R-FL) has introduced the Fostering Resource Efficiency in Education by Zero Employment (FREEZE) Act. This bill would enforce a hiring freeze at the U.S. Department of Education (DoE). As Chairman of the Early Childhood, Secondary, […]
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DeSantis enacts Florida's new $114.8 billion Framework for Freedom Budget

DeSantis enacts Florida's new $114.8 billion Framework for Freedom Budget

Mateo Guillamont
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June 15, 2023
Fort Pierce— Florida’s 2023-2024 Fiscal Year “Framework For Freedom” Budget was signed into law Governor Ron DeSantis on Thursday morning. The historic $115 Billion package includes scores of funding, tax relief, and salary increase records across all sectors of the economy. A historic $20 billion surplus in Florida’s reserves was tapped to finance initiatives aimed […]
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DeSantis Signs $1 Billion Teacher Pay Increase, Imposes Limits on Union Bosses and School Board Members

DeSantis Signs $1 Billion Teacher Pay Increase, Imposes Limits on Union Bosses and School Board Members

Chris Nelson
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May 9, 2023
During a press conference at the True North Classical Academy in Miami, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a series of laws meant to "support and empower Florida’s teachers, reign in out-of-control unions and school boards, get TikTok out of schools, and protect the integrity of the classroom." These reforms include a Teachers Bill of Rights which […]
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Scott Reintroduces Bill Cutting Funds to Chinese-Tied Schools

Scott Reintroduces Bill Cutting Funds to Chinese-Tied Schools

Grayson Bakich
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March 31, 2023
While TikTok is the most visible means by which China seeks to subvert the United States, others are more subtle. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) has reintroduced a bill preventing federal funds from going to colleges and universities with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Ties can be in the form of backing from Chinese […]
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Broward School Board to Vote on Resolution In Support of African-American History

Broward School Board to Vote on Resolution In Support of African-American History

Chris Nelson
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March 28, 2023
The Broward School Board is set to consider a resolution "in support of African-American history instruction in Broward County Public Schools". The resolution is being brought forth by former Chair Torey Alston, who was appointed to the board by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022. Alston appeared with DeSantis at a press conference on March 8 […]
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