DeSantis Drinks Liberal Tears-Wins Big as Florida Legislature Ends Historic Session
This week, the Florida legislature wrapped up its 2023 session, which cemented its status as one of the most conservative states in the country after being a purple state just two years ago.
People are already claiming that it was the most productive session in the Florida legislature’s history as Republican legislators and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis were able to address legislation that will impact Florida for decades to come.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a six-month stretch that has been this productive in the history of the state, and I would put our state up against any state in the country,” DeSantis said on Friday, after a historical year where two special sessions were hosted before March.
Thank you to @GovRonDeSantis and the Legislature for delivering the most productive and impactful session in the country!
We are proud of all your hard work to better our great state.
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) May 5, 2023
We were able to pass the largest expansion of school choice in the country.
Florida is leading the way. pic.twitter.com/bNZIKF3Zfc
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 5, 2023
Since the election in November, we have delivered $2.7 billion dollars in tax cuts to provide relief for Floridians. pic.twitter.com/aKDI5LL2Zw
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 5, 2023
Today marks Sine Day, the official end of the 2023 legislative session. It was great to join Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nunez on the House Floor today as we passed the historic $117 billion budget. Thank you to all of you for letting me serve the great state of Florida. pic.twitter.com/e3ADRlZFhV
— Mike Caruso (@RepMikeCaruso) May 5, 2023
My bill, SB 210 Substance Abuse, passed unanimously in the House. Treatment centers will no longer be able to have alcohol or marijuana on their premises. pic.twitter.com/3j6sUh63I8
— Mike Caruso (@RepMikeCaruso) May 2, 2023
Democrats in the legislature disagreed, calling the abortion ban passed in this year’s session ‘horrifying and un-American.’ Still, they were powerless to stop it as Republicans held commanding majorities in both houses of the legislature.
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“The abortion ban is absolutely horrifying and un-American and does not reflect what the majority of Americans want,” said Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando.
"Abortion bans are incredibly dangerous. It strips away bodily autonomy and individual freedoms, especially for the women in our state," Eskamani said. pic.twitter.com/7ZSaXOkEm4
— Rep. Anna V. Eskamani 🔨 (@AnnaForFlorida) April 4, 2023
On the culture war front, Republicans won numerous victories that went above and beyond what some deep red states have done. One bill, sponsored by Rep. Clay Yarborough, R-Jacksonville, revoked business licenses of establishments that hosted ‘child-friendly’ drag shows.
“We need to let kids be kids, and our laws need to set appropriate boundaries that respect the rights and responsibilities of parents while protecting children,” Yarborough said.
BREAKING: The Florida legislature has passed a bill that bans gender affirming “care” for all minors.
Once Governor DeSantis signs the bill into law, it will officially be illegal to mutilate children in the state of Florida.
The wins keep piling up, and we won't stop until… pic.twitter.com/ZfSTMFuWyM
— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) May 4, 2023
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DeSantis made headlines after he stripped a Hyatt Regency in Miami of its liquor license for hosting a drag show that children could attend.
Why is it a violation of LGBTQ+ rights to prohibit venues from hosting sexually explicit drag shows for minors? I support @GovRonDeSantis's decision to revoke liquor licenses for venues that facilitate events that host drag shows for kids. https://t.co/KxQh9LC92j
— @amuse (@amuse) March 15, 2023
In Georgia, the legislature marks Sine Die with a mess of papers. In Florida, the two chambers meet in the rotunda and the Sergeants-at-Arms drop a hankie. pic.twitter.com/SzTGF3ivc1
— Tia "Very Calm Sis" Mitchell (@TIAreports) May 5, 2023
Still, Democrats in the legislature voiced concerns that not enough was done to address rising property and auto insurance costs during the recent term.
“One of the most disappointing parts of this Session was that while we were voting on issues that no one asked for, bills that were filed to address the concerns all our constituents face, such as rising property insurance costs and rising auto insurance costs, were never heard in committee,” said Rep. Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland.
Still, the Florida legislature and DeSantis passed legislation in late 2022 to stabilize property insurance markets.
The Florida legislature also passed legislation to address runaway housing prices, invest money in affordable housing, and provide incentives to real estate developers to build inexpensive housing.
“With our Live Local Act, more Floridians can afford to live close to good jobs, where they can raise their families in the heart of the communities they serve,” Senate President Kathleen Passidomo said.
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