Governor Ron DeSantis Announces Date of Special Session to Protect Florida Jobs

On October 29, Governor Ron DeSantis issued a proclamation announcing that the Special Session to provide protections for Floridians who have lost their jobs or are having their employment threatened due to vaccine mandates will begin on November 15, 2021, and go no later than November 19, 2021.

“Just months ago Joe Biden was saying that it wouldn’t be appropriate or lawful for the federal government to mandate these COVID shots,” said Governor Ron DeSantis.  “But now we have somehow gone from 15 days to slow the spread to 3 jabs to keep your job.  The federal government is exceeding their power and it is important for us to take a stand because in Florida we believe these are choices based on individual circumstances.”

Two weeks ago, Governor Ron DeSantis called for this Special Session of the Florida Legislature at a press conference where he was joined by first responders, healthcare workers, airline employees and Floridians from various other industries who have faced or are facing consequences as a result of vaccine mandates.

The Governor’s signed proclamation is available here.  His letter to President Simpson and Speaker Sprowls is available here.

Committee Approves Bill to Protect our Firefighters

The Florida Senate recognizes our firefighters for the heroes they are.  The Senate Committee on Criminal Justice voted unanimously to advance Senate Bill 370, Offenses Against Firefighters, by Senator Ed Hooper.  This legislation enhances penalties for certain crimes committed against firefighters who are performing their official duties to protect our families and communities.

Senate Bill 370 requires life imprisonment without eligibility for release of anyone who commits first, second or third-degree murder, or attempted murder, against firefighters who are actively performing their lawful duties.  The legislation adds firefighters to existing law that imposes these penalties for murder or attempted murder of law enforcement and correctional officers who are doing their jobs to protect Floridians.

“Those that serve and protect us need to have the same protection when they are also attacked and killed,” said Senator Hooper.

Remembering and Honoring More Than 100 Million Victims of Communist Regimes

The Senate Committee on Education, chaired by Senator Joe Gruters, this week voted to ensure Floridians understand the catastrophic effects and failures of communism.  Senate Bill 268, Proclamation of “Victims of Communism Day,” by Senator Manny Diaz, establishes “Victims of Communism Day” as a legal holiday to be observed on November 7 to honor and remember the more than 100 million people across the world who have fallen victim to communist regimes.

The legislation requires “Victims of Communism Day” to be observed in public schools, the Florida Capitol and any location designated by the governor.  Beginning the 2023-2024 academic year, high school students enrolled in the U.S. Government course will be required to receive at least 45 minutes of instruction on the evils of communist regimes during the observance of “Victims of Communism Day.”

"As we’re seeing a resurgence of some of this in some parts of the world, we’re doomed to repeat history if we don’t understand it, and it is very important that students understand the dangers and ills of communism,” Senator Diaz explained during closing remarks on the bill.

Legislation to Extend Record-Breaking Tourism Efforts Passes Committee

Garnering unanimous support in the Senate Committee on Commerce and Tourism, Senate Bill 434, Florida Tourism Marketing, by Senator Ed Hooper, extends the scheduled repeal date of VISIT FLORIDA from October 2023 to October 2031.   VISIT FLORIDA is Florida’s official tourism and marketing corporation that promotes our state around the country and internationally as a premier destination.

Through aggressive and well-timed marketing, VISIT FLORIDA has played an integral role in our state’s robust tourism industry, especially in the wake of natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Following a significant dip in visitors during the 2020 pandemic year, Florida earned a return on investment (ROI) of $3.27 for every dollar invested in VISIT FLORIDA—the highest ROI ever calculated for VISIT FLORIDA.

Florida consistently outperforms the national average on key performance indicators including hotel demand, traveler spending and domestic air capacity.  Because of VISIT FLORIDA’s ongoing efforts, Florida is beating out destinations like New York, Hawaii, California and Las Vegas as a favorite destination among American travelers.

Supporting the Mental Health of Florida’s Military and Veteran Community

Florida is one of the most military- and veteran-friendly states in the nation, with more than 1.5 million veterans calling Florida home.  This week, the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) briefed the Senate Committee on Military and Veteran Affairs, Space, and Domestic Security on the mental health and suicide prevention resources available to the brave men and women who served our great nation.

FDVA Executive Director Major General James Hartsell and the Suicide Prevention and Research Specialist for FDVA, Lauren Stentz, highlighted suicide causes and trends among Florida’s veterans. According to FDVA, the national suicide rate for veterans is significantly higher than the rate for non-veterans.  Since the beginning of 2020, the suicide rate among active-duty troops and outreach to the Veterans Crisis Line has increased.

The men and women who serve our country face unique challenges, which is why the Florida Legislature authorized the FDVA last Session to establish a veteran-dedicated support line through dialing 211 to provide veterans and their families with behavioral health care referral services.  Other helpful resources include:

• Veterans Crisis Line (National): 1-800-273-TALK, Press 1
• Florida Veterans Support Line: 1-844-MYFLVET (693-5838)
• Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
• Local 211 Resources
• Watch Stander Training, available statewide later this month: www.TheFireWatch.org
• The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs website: www.FloridaVets.org