A beacon of calm and reason in Florida's political storm. President of the Florida Policy Project, a non-profit researching best practices
#FloridaPolicyProject
🔥🌀🌊 Florida Disaster Response Needs Improvement!🔥
Got ideas? Let’s brainstorm together! 💡👇
Here’s mine: Counties should predesignate locations like property appraiser or tax collector offices to serve as “insurance claims villages” after a disaster. 🏠💼
What do you
The Florida Legislature has created a catastrophic situation and must urgently hold a special session, as
@GovRonDeSantis
recommended, to address this man-made crisis. Real estate experts warn of an unprecedented surge in Florida condo listings due to crippling special
As the author of the bill implementing amend 4 it was our intent that those ineligible would be granted some grace by the state if they registered without intent to commit voter fraud. Some of the individuals did check with SOEs and believed they could register.
#Intentmatters
In 2020, FL ran one of the most secure & transparent elections in the US, but we have more work to do. That's why I established an election crimes unit.
@fdlepio
has charged 20 murderers & sex offenders who weren't eligible to vote w/ election fraud. They face 5 yrs in prison.
@JimmyPatronis
@WeAreFarmers
The approach of 'The beatings will continue until morale improves' is counterproductive. The more difficult it becomes for companies to leave, the greater their reluctance to invest more. Address the question of why are they leaving!
Florida’s Amendment 3 will still pass, but this is setting a dangerous precedent and is unlikely to be authorized in Florida’s budget. Expect lawsuits! Plus, $15 million could’ve fixed a lot of potholes.
Desperation is not a good look!
So…Ron DeSantis just ordered $15.5 million in taxpayer-funded advertising.
It comes as his administration campaigns against a referendum to repeal a statewide abortion ban – and amid rumors it may launch a public campaign against a referendum to legalize recreational marijuana.
For 4 years, I worked to legalize recreational marijuana in Florida through legislation, but no progress was made. Now, with Amendment 3, some argue it should be done by statute. However, like 23 other states, adding it to the constitution ensures the people's voice is heard
NEW: Fla. Sen.
@JonMartinesq
warns against passing Florida Amendment 3
“If this becomes part of the Florida constitution, the legislature can’t change certain aspects of this."
In 2001, Florida's Panhandle was exempted from the state's strict hurricane building codes, allowing weaker wind resistance standards. After hurricanes like Ivan and Michael, the exemption was phased out to improve storm resilience. Post-Helene, it'll be intriguing to examine the
The
@FLSecofState
should be running all new voter registrations against a felon database and confirming they are eligible. Most of the individual are simply ignorant of the law and have no intent to commit voter fraud, they just want to start a new chapter of life.
#intentmatters
Bold move by
@GovRonDeSantis
who just issued a VETO of Senate Bill 810. SB 810 would have taken away an adult consumer’s choice to use flavored vaping products that many individuals consider to be an important alternative to cigarettes.
As of 1pm, within one business day of the sending out our letter, we have received more than enough responses from legislators calling for a special session on property insurance. We will be submitting our final count to the FL DOS at 5pm today.
Everyone needs a Covid hobby. I started flying again after a 20yr break (I got my pilots license in college) I spent the morning flying back from a quick trip to Tallahassee while working on my instrument rating. We are blessed to have beautiful State from ground and the sky!
Another complication with Florida's voter fraud prosecutions. Some of those charged (but not all) registered prior to a 2020 trial over the state's felon disenfranchisement law. 11th circuit said that anyone who had registered pre-trial was "entitled to vote" until told otherwise
Texas prisons are getting 5,000 of those doses for inmates and staff, according to the weekly allocation sheet.
Prisons last week began vaccinating hundreds of inmates over 65 with chronic medical conditions. (Staff started getting doses earlier).
A 2015 Duke University study found that Florida could reduce the amount of money it spent each year on prosecuting marijuana cases by $25.5 million and increase its tax revenue by $120 million by legalizing marijuana.
Just because it's legal doesn't mean it's the best practice. Arresting homeless individuals costs over $1,000 each—a burden cities and counties can't afford. Instead of criminalization, let's focus on real, cost effective research-backed solutions. Broward nor any other
To give you some scale of how this could play out if we get a direct hit from Ian, I did a little back if the napkin math this afternoon. Citizens represents roughly 25% of Tampa Bay policyholders (Pinellas, Hillsborough, Pasco)
Florida's 'pay-to-stay' policy means ex-inmates owe $50/day for their prison time, affecting their futures long after release. Shelby’s story highlights the struggle for those seeking a second chance. It’s time for reform!
#CriminalJusticeReform
And Florida has closed 0, If Florida would implement the Texas reforms we would see similar results. We would also have lower crime, lower recidivism, billions of $ in savings and more $ to put towards public safety and helping victims.
By the end of 2020, Texas will have closed 10 prisons. The state’s reforms have caused decreases in incarceration, crime, recidivism and probation revocation. Read
@MarcALevin
's op-ed about how other states should reform their prisons:
.
#RethinkJails
.
@ChrisSpencerFL
has a breadth of policy knowledge virtually unmatched in Florida. By selecting him as Policy Director, Governor-elect DeSantis is bringing aboard one of the brightest minds in the state.
As we prepare to go into legislative session let’s spend a few minutes talking about what’s going on in the Florida DoC and how the state is managing the collapse of the department. Currently almost 70% of our state run correction facilities are in emergency staffing.
FL can’t get back to work, and businesses won’t reopen with the threat of
#Covid19
lawsuits hanging over their head like a sword. I am drafting legislation that would shield businesses from job-killing, frivolous Covid lawsuits by those seeking to turn FL into a legal battlefield
Guarantee the prosecutor is desperately trying to figure out how to offer plea deals the defendants will accept. Going 0-20 is not a good look. I hope they have the courage to drop charges or go to trial and produce evidence of willful intent. Expect to hear more post Nov. 8th
Local police captured on video the first arrests of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new election security force. They show people confused about why they were being arrested: “What is wrong with this state, man?” one Tampa resident said.
Merry Christmas from our family to yours! We are grateful for the opportunity to shed a little light on international adoption this holiday Please reach out if you have any questions or would like more information. We would be thrilled to act as a resource
If we add in the rest of the industry of the industry this could be a 40B+ storm for just insured properties. Given the density of Tampa Bay, the labor market, supply chain problems, and litigation environment, we are facing something no one alive has seen in Tampa bay.
One way
#Florida
could jumpstart the economy is to open up the green market and allow for adult use
#cannabis
. With the support of liberty loving Floridians we can
#makeitlegal
#420day
It’s time to end the practice of suspending drivers licenses for unpaid court debt in
#Florida
. A Federal court judge found that “It’s not merely ineffective; it is powerfully counterproductive.”
Eliminating driver's license suspensions for non-traffic related offenses will be a huge win for criminal justice in Florida. I'm proud to lead the fight on this issue along with Senator Rouson.
For most Nov. 6th is election day, but for the Brandes family it is also the anniversary of our international adoption “Gotcha day”. One year ago today, we became the
#BrandesPartyofSix
, and I am grateful every day for this blessing.
There is no current issue in
#Florida
as challenging as criminal justice reform. I am honored to lead the Florida Senate Justice Appropriations Committee as we cast a bold vision for the future.
@MattHarringer
@GovRonDeSantis
Don’t think this is an R or D issue it’s not. Plenty of both sides supported this condo plan. I am not here to blame my goal is to find solutions, but that requires action.
We are finally cleaning up some of the inequities of the past by pardoning 2,732 convictions for Coloradans who simply had an ounce of marijuana or less.
➡️
Florida is rich with incredible seabirds and upland foul, we should have a state bird that immediately says Florida. Not the common northern mockingbird which is also the state bird of 4 other states.
#wecandobetter
Texas is protecting your right to earn a living with a law that prevents an occupational license from being denied or revoked because of default on a student loan.
#txlege
So glad we are spending 1.5MM studying wild turkeys (I studied with plenty of $20 Wild Turkey in college) but how much is the State giving UF/Universities to study the less pressing issues of property insurance, housing affordability, transportation and prisons?
@scottinclearh2o
@CarlosGSmith
@GovRonDeSantis
@FloridaGOP
Here’s the language in the budget. It allows for only transport “from this state”. I’m awaiting clarification on where the funds came from and if the authorization for them is not from this language, where is it from.
🚨 Florida's HB-1 bill on "Social Media Use for Minors" is a massive overreach, infringing on First Amendment rights & privacy. It sets a dangerous precedent, misunderstanding constitutional protections & parental rights. We need a balance of protection, freedom, and
Physicians understand much better than the legislature what's best for their patient. Let's let doctors weigh benefits and risks for their patents and focus the Senate on solving real problems.
📢 Just released a study on Florida's justice criminal system. Despite a 50% drop in crime from 2000 to 2019, the state's incarceration rate remains stable. Over 60% of released prisoners are rearrested within 3 years. We must do more to prevent this cycle
“It’s dangerous for staff, dangerous for inmates,’’ said Peter Kelson, a former corrections officer who talked to the Sentinel. “… I wasn’t willing to go back.’’
🤔How is it that some
#FL
cities are not allowing Mircomobility (scooters/bikes/mopeds) during
#Covid
but are keeping buses operating? I believe buses should operate at reduced occupancy, but certainly you’re much less likely to get covid alone on a scooter/bike than a bus.
Question- Why does the Florida lottery use a flamingo 🦩 in its advertisements and not the current State bird the mockingbird? Maybe because no one associates the northern mockingbird with the southern most state.
#wecandobetter
#timeforanewstatebird
He’s still in the doghouse w/ leadership, so
@JeffreyBrandes
is not carrying any of the property insurance reforms he has loudly championed, but the Pinellas Senator is having a moment questioning those testifying.
Cities should consider reopening public libraries for select hours to assist in filing unemployment benefits. Many Floridians don’t have access to a computer other than public library facilities. Following CDC guidelines for cleaning and separation of course.
@FLDEO
Why are people so angry about our criminal justice system? Because it's rotten to the core and an absolute raging dumpster fire of injustice—that's why.
State Sen. Jeff Brandes for years has wanted a justice system more interested in outcomes than vengeance.
“Our prisons are horrible places,” the St. Petersburg Republican said. ”People leave prison deeply traumatized and not rehabilitated in any way.”
Florida's PRR law is cruel. Here is one mother's story:
”My son, William, is serving a “natural life sentence,” meaning he will stay in prison until he is no longer alive. Did my son commit murder? No. Did his crime involve physical harm to anyone? Again, no.”
Unfortunately the crisis we have been talking about at
#Florida
Department of Corrections has now reached a tipping point. Make no mistake these are desperate emergency measures to address an understaffed and under resourced agency that the legislature has known about for years.
The National Guard is no substitute for trained and professional corrections officers and will not make the situation better in the short or long term. Pay, working conditions, and overcrowding has made the FDOC the Florida Department of Warehousing.
Results 2 years after Louisiana enacted sweeping criminal justice reforms:
• 9% ↓ in prison population
• 12% ↓ in probation and parole population
• $30 million saved, reinvested in community programs
This should be used to improve our voting registration system. We should have a system that flags and informs way before we have to get law enforcement involved. A warning letter should be sent and SOEs notified. This should be standard practice.
@FLSecofState
If we assume a increasingly likely scenario of a Tampa Bay landfall we are looking at just
@citizens_fla
having 200k claims. The average payment for claims during Irma was 45k so let��s assume it 50k today.
200000x50000=10,000,000,000 that’s 10 billion (for just Citizens)
The
@MiamiHerald
investigation into Florida's juvenile justice system is deeply troubling. Our state's "direct file" law is leading to harsher sentences for children than adults, disproportionately affecting minority communities. It's time for Florida to reexamine these outdated
In the last 3 weeks, 4 Florida homeowners insurance companies have told regulators they can’t continue writing coverage…3 have stopped totally and one non renewing over 50k, this is just beginning. How many more will pull back before the legislature puts for a comprehensive plan
Thank you
@GovRonDeSantis
for the VETO of SB810. Florida law should not deny individuals seeking safer alternatives from the harms of tobacco. A society that values individual liberties has nothing to fear from the flavors mint or mango.
After this week's vetoes, it's evident Florida needs a bill mandating governors provide justifications for their bill veto decisions. Though ironically, it would likely meet the same fate, without justification.
#Vetos
#TransparencyMatters
There is no greater compliment in the legislative process than to have ideas/bills you pushed in previous years move the forward under other members sponsorship.
“There's no need for us to continue to allow folks to cook — literally cook — in our prisons. And that's something we should always find unacceptable.”
Need expert policy advice on transportation, criminal justice, insurance, or housing affordability? I'll be sharing insights while working concessions at tonight's JV basketball game. Come say hi and let's talk solutions! 🏀
#PolicyTalk
@FLPolicyProject
I hope the Governor sees this as an opportunity to improve the system and insure that felons who register without intent to commit voter fraud are notified first and prosecuted last.
5 million formerly incarcerated people live in the U.S. Their unemployment rate is a shocking 27% - worse than the Great Depression. Check out this report:
🚨 Immediate action required! A push for establishing a commission to update Florida's prison system comes in the wake of a
@KPMG
report. This report showcases dire challenges such as deteriorating facilities, lack of staff, and an expected rise in the number of inmates. It's a
On its current path, Hurricane
#Idalia
will have a huge impact on
@citizens_fla
. It is the largest writer of business around the storm’s projected landfall.
Citizens # of Policies/Market Share
Hernando 25,232- 67.4%
Pinellas 117,266- 64,6%
Pasco 39,703- 50.5%
Citrus- 8,063-
Huge problem in FL as well, our staff was stretched and stressed pre covid and currently it’s not uncommon to have 20-40 correction officers and staff test positive everyday. It’s not critical yet...but its close. 👇
The incarcerated aren’t the only people getting COVID-19 in prisons. In our latest
@marshallproj
/
@ap
numbers, we see a sharp rise this week in prison workers getting sick.
My faith calls on me to seek mercy over sacrifice. Medical release for those with only a few months to live and elderly inmates who are unlikely to commit new crimes is an act of grace the State should have the authority to grant.
Nevada criminal justice leaders are forwarding to the Legislature 25 recommendations that experts say could save the state $640 million in prison costs.
#Florida
has 96K inmates, Nevada has 14k. Think how much FL could save if we implement some of them.
“Liberals look at mass incarceration and see structural racism. Libertarians see the denial of civil liberties. Fiscal conservatives see wasted resources. Religious activists see inhumane conditions and damaged lives.” - Micheal Gerson
#prisonreform
Today I sent out a call to my fellow legislators asking them to join me in sending certification to the Secretary of State as required under FS 11.011(2). I encourage you to call your local legislator and ask them for their prompt response for the benefit of all Floridians.
@scottinclearh2o
@GovRonDeSantis
@FloridaGOP
@GOP
That wasn’t during a special session that was during the regular 2022 session. The 2022 special session was very successful and will stabilize the insurance market…over the next few years.
Florida's prisons grapple with years of deferred maintenance & a lack of foresight. Facing a choice among 3 costly plans ($6B-$12B over 20 years), the system needs urgent investment. This includes $582M for AC, $2.2B for repairs, and up to $700M yearly for staff. New prisons &
Same could be said for most state prison facilities. We need to have an honest conversation about adjusting to a population we can supervise safely and effectively, provide programming that reduces recidivism, and reentery services that provide stability once released.