WEEK 10:LEGISLATIVE SESSION ENDS WITHOUT A BUDGET

This week the Florida Regular Legislative Session came to a close without lawmakers passing a budget for the second year in a row. The one constitutionally required job during the 60-day session is to pass a budget, yet they have failed to reconcile a $1.4 billion gap between the chambers proposed plans. The final days of session were filled with debate over voting rights and diversity, equity and inclusion. With over 1,900 bills filed, only 167 have passed both the House and Senate which places them as enrolled, awaiting to be presented to Governor DeSantis. 

This year's legislative session, we witnessed elected officials pass legislation restricting Black voters access, expanding state authority to designate advocacy groups as domestic terrorist, and strip away local lawmakers rights to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in their cities. At the same time, proposals related to minimum wage protections, union organizing rights, Medicaid expansion, and the Harry T and Harriette V. Moore Florida Voting Rights Act did not pass. This session reflects a continued focus on restrictions impacting voting, civil rights, and public sector institutions while leaving many economic and healthcare priorities unaddressed.

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