The local Chamber of Commerce held a “Legislative Wrap Up Luncheon” in Port St. Lucie for a predominantly business audience although the non profit Education Foundation was also a co-sponsor. Lawyers, realtors and entrepreneurs gave the legislative forum a largely receptive audience.
Peter Dunbar, managing shareholder at a law firm (Dean Mead, Tallahassee), moderated the panelists: Representatives Gayle Harrell (R-83), Erin Grall (R-54), Larry Lee (D- 84) and Senators Jack Latvala (R-16), Joe Negron (R-25, President). It was a tightly controlled agenda and Q & A were only permitted at the very end.
Most of the time the lawmakers concentrated on their accomplishments and ability to 'get hard things done' which were in direct contradiction to news accounts of their Tallahassee work. In particular, Negron wanted the audience to know that his 'pride and joy', S 10, was a major environmental achievement. He reviewed details, emphasized its significance and was unabashedly boastful. Latvala touted how the Tampa model was a template for a regional solution to a shared water problem.
The panel talked about the challenges of opioid addictions along the Treasure Coast and throughout the state; how the state deals with abused and neglected children, and the issue of funding tourism as well as the role of technology in meeting our personal legal needs (electronic wills).
The first testy response to a question came when panelists were asked to reconcile the legislature's drive to 'overrule home rule'. Even more controversial was the EDUCATION BILL and when CTA CTU 3616 Local President Victoria Rodriguez questioned the panel on their justifications for the bill (which is being challenged in the courts), things 'heated up'. Part of the challenge is based on the fact that the bill combined more than 50+ other bills into one, required an up or down vote, and many aspects had not been approved in committee. The four Republicans staunchly defended different aspects of the bill (only Dem HR Larry Lee voted against it) and each chose a different aspect to address.
As President of the Senate Negron had been instrumental in the 'deal' to pass the controversial 7069 bill. He became agitated as he defended the bill's passage arguing that 'government schools' were not what the public wanted; he insisted that families prefer other criteria over neighborhood geography in deciding where their children are best educated. As a staunch proponent of 'choice' and charter advocate, this bill will finance a greater exodus from public schools.
Larry Lee had the last word and it was positive: he told everyone go to the celebration of St.Lucie County Schools' accomplishments at the stadium. He had provided 1500 FREE tickets for constituents.
RC 43 VP Felicia Bruce (rt side bottom) & members of the Saint Lucie County Teachers Association.