Hello Neighbors and Community Members, Last week was another busy week in Tallahassee...
Speaker Renner and Appropriations Chair Leek released the Florida House's Budget Proposal. This proposal will transform education delivery, fortify Florida, address Florida's infrastructure needs, invest in our workforce, and more. In this proposed budget is historic education funding, $23 billion for children and families, $19.2 billion for state infrastructure, and $2 billion for public service. Florida's budget continues to be fiscally responsible and balanced. If you would like to see details in regards to the budget you can read more HERE. I voted on important issues such as housing costs (The "Live Local Act" - CS/SB102) and insurance costs (see more below). I understand the impact housing and insurance costs have on every family, and I continue to work to make these costs affordable for every Floridian. You can find out more below about bills I am sponsoring and co-sponsoring, my votes from committee meetings and the house floor, photos from my week, local information for Florida House, District #37, and more. If you have questions regarding any bills or information, please do contact my office. We love hearing from you! Remember - at any time during committee meetings or when the legislature is in session you can to tune in and watch us live at work. Visit the Florida House website HERE for the schedule. If I can be of assistance to you please do not hesitate to contact my office at 407-205-2831 or e-mail me at susan@susanplasencia.com. Sincerely,
Rep. Susan Plasencia
Promises Made, Promises Kept - Rep. Susan Plasencia
FL House Bill 1,which revises provisions relating to the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program, Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, part-time enrollment in public schools, transportation of students, graduation requirements, Commissioner of Education duties, and educator certifications.
HB1 has passed both the full House and Senate and is waiting to be signed by the Governor.
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FL House Bill 95, which provides rights of law enforcement & correctional officers relating to Brady Giglio lists. HB95 is another promise made, promise kept by providing due process to law enforcement. HB95 passed it's last committee (the Judiciary Committee) and hopefully up soon for a full vote on the House floor.
2023 Florida House Bills
My Sponsored Bills
I will continue to keep you updated on the bills I am sponsoring as they move through the legislature, however if you would like more information please click on the links below.
House Bill 265, which eliminates restrictions on students' ability to take the GED test if they pass the practice test. As an extension of my promise to expand school choice, I am fighting to give more educational options and accessibility to parents and students.
HB 265 passed its final committee (the Education & Employment Committee) last week. You can watch my presentation HERE (skip to 44:00). This week it is up for a final vote on the House floor.
House Bill 287, which requires the teaching of Asian American and Pacific Islander history in our statewide curriculum rules. History teachers are already required to provide three weeks of instruction for Jewish, African American, Hispanic, and Women's history. This bill would ensure the contributions and history of Asian Americans are included in those requirements.
HB 287 passed its second committee (Pre-K12 Appropriations Subcommittee) last week. You can watch my presentation HERE (skip to 03:59).
House Bill 681, which exempts charges for investigation and personal background check services, security guards and patrol services, and armored car services from sales and use tax. This is a part of my promise to cut taxes wherever I can. This bill was brought to my attention by one of our neighbors here in House District #37
House Bill 885, which helps municipalities be more efficient with their tax dollars.
My Co-Sponsored Bills
House Bill 305, which prohibits DOH from requiring enrollment in state's immunization registry or otherwise requiring persons to submit to immunization tracking; prohibits business & governmental entities from requiring individuals to provide proof of vaccination to gain access to, entry upon, or service from such entities; revises purposes of Florida Civil Rights Action of 1992 to include discrimination protection for vaccination or immunity status.
My Votes This Week
House Bill 3- I voted in favor of stopping local and state government from considering social, political, and/or ideological beliefs when evaluating prospective vendors. Social scores have no place in our financial system.
House Bill 627 - I voted in favor of protecting housing costs.
House Bill 837- I voted in favor of tort reform which will lower the costs of insurance and housing for Floridians.
For an in-depth look at these bills, please click on the bill link.