Last week, I was inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame.  It was a real honor to be one of three women in Florida who were recognized in 2022, and it was truly special to be part of a celebration with family, friends and colleagues last week. 

The Florida Women’s Hall of Fame was created in 1982 to honor women who, through their lives and efforts, made significant contributions to the improvement of life for women and all Florida citizens.  They are pioneers who have broken down barriers, created new opportunities, and championed issues to better Florida and its people.  The individuals are recommended by the Florida Commission on the Status of Women and selected by the Governor.  I was honored alongside Lilly Pulitzer and Audrey Schiebler, who were both inducted posthumously. 

Pulitzer, formerly of Palm Beach, was the founder and former president of Lilly Pulitzer, Inc.  As one of the earliest female entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, Pulitzer transformed her clothing brand into a household name.  The Lilly Pulitzer brand proudly carries on her legacy in many ways, including through partnerships with local organizations such as the Junior Leagues, Boys & Girls Club, First Tee, Naples Botanical Gardens, and many more. 

Schiebler, formerly of Amelia Island, was a renowned child advocate.  She played a key role in forming the State of Florida’s Guardian ad Litem program, which became legislatively enacted in 1980. It was the first program in the United States to achieve statewide status and associated funding.  Schiebler went on to serve as the first Director of the Eighth Judicial Circuit Guardian ad Litem Program and later worked for the University of Florida’s Institute for Child Health Policy.  She led the building of the Ronald McDonald House in Gainesville and helped establish the Boggy Creek Camp for children with chronic illnesses.

So many incredible women like Lilly Pulitzer and Audrey Schiebler have contributed to the greatness of our state using their time, talents, networks and resources.  The recognition I received from the Florida Women's Hall of Fame is not mine alone - it is due to the women before me who inspired me, the women I have worked alongside over the years who helped prop one another up, and the women in the generations that follow who will build on the foundations we have erected. 

Also this week, we held a series of committee hearings ahead of the 2024 legislative session.  Below is an update on legislative activity this week. 

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, there is so much to be thankful for this year.  Key among them is you all - my family, friends, neighbors and residents of District 28.  I hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Cutting Red Tape and Supporting Neighborhood Public Schools 

Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Pre-K – 12 Education passed a meaningful legislative package that supports neighborhood public schools, slashes government red tape on educators and students, levels the playing field in Florida’s educational system, and ensures parents remain the ultimate arbiter of performance. 

Senate Bill 7000, presented by Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami), enhances public school deregulation measures included in House Bill 1 (2023 Legislative Session) to provide local school districts with expanded authority on teacher certification, training, and salaries. 

This legislation provides increased flexibility to Florida’s teachers by eliminating burdensome certification requirements, allowing for certified private school teachers who return to their local school district to extend the length of their certification, and providing highly effective teachers the ability to reduce renewal requirements on the certification.  Further, Senate Bill 7000 removes unnecessary restrictions on teacher salaries and contracts, allowing for school districts to increase pay and enhance job security for Florida’s best teachers. 

Senate Bill 7002, presented by Senator Travis Hutson (R-St. Augustine), removes burdensome regulations on local school districts that have restricted and complicated administrative processes, facilities management, and financial requirements. 

This legislation enhances administrative efficiency by simplifying rulemaking and policy development procedures, prescription medication and parental approval processes, and annual report requirements. Further, Senate Bill 7002 provides flexibility for school boards in regard to financial and facilities requirements.  This legislation provides school boards expanded opportunity to pursue funding, enhanced autonomy over facilities plans, and increased flexibility for all facets of the educational environment. 

Senate Bill 7004, presented by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee), empowers school districts to enhance their own pre-k programs, assessment standards, retention and graduation requirements, and instructional materials in a manner that best serves their community. 

This legislation removes requirements for voluntary prekindergarten programs, provides parents the authority to determine if their child’s advancement to the 4th grade is in the student’s best interest, and simplifies requirements for a high school diploma. 

These reforms will empower Florida’s local public schools to provide an educational experience that is best suited to the needs of their community while ensuring we do not lose one inch of the accountability measures this Legislature has instituted over the last thirty years.  Through thoughtful policy, the Florida Senate is continuing to work to ensure every school district across the state has the necessary resources to offer a first-class education to every student. 

Empowering Floridians to Live Healthy 

Tuesday, the Senate Committee on Health Policy, chaired by Senator Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland), held a workshop on innovative approaches to health care workforce challenges and heard presentations from various state agencies on the shortage of health care professionals in the state of Florida. 

As families, business owners, veterans, and seniors flock to Florida’s sunny shores due to our state’s broad appeal, it is important that we meet the health care needs of both our native Floridians and our new neighbors. 

Projections currently show that Florida will need to significantly increase the number of physicians and nurses in order to meet the increased demand for service that comes naturally with our growing population.  Rural communities, specifically, possess a greater demand for additional providers so that rural Floridians are not required to travel long distances for treatments. 

The overuse of emergency rooms for non-urgent services due to difficulty scheduling routine medical care also presents numerous problems which could be addressed by increasing the number of primary care physicians and specialists able to provide the necessary health care services. 

Expanding access to health care by addressing critical shortages in Florida’s healthcare workforce is necessary to ensure that all Floridians are able to live healthy.  Through innovative technology and free-market policies, Florida can improve access to health care without limiting the capability of our health care professionals to provide the very best care to their patients. 

Expanding Florida’s Wildlife Corridor 

Wednesday, the Senate Committee on Transportation, chaired by Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach), heard a presentation from the Florida Department of Transportation on the implementation of Senate Bill 106 (2023 Legislative Session). 

Senate Bill 106, signed into law by the Governor earlier this year, expanded access to Florida’s Wildlife Corridor, connecting the corridor to Florida’s Greenways and Trails System, the SUN Trail Network, and recreational pathways to heritage small towns across Florida. 

Since the passage of Senate Bill 106 in the 2023 Legislative Session, the Florida Department of Transportation has made significant progress in implementing the expansion of Florida’s SUN Trail Program in order to better connect Floridians and the enhance tourism opportunities throughout Florida’s wildlife corridor. 

Throughout the next year the Florida Department of Transportation will begin a number of projects across the state, investing $132 million in Florida’s dynamic trail system. Projects funded through Senate Bill 106 will connect critical trail systems across the state. 

Through Senate Bill 106, Floridians will now be able to hike, bike, or walk through our state’s beautiful natural environment or many historical towns and cities, experiencing all that Florida has to offer. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office any time that I can be of assistance.

Respectfully,

Kathleen C. Passidomo

Senate President
State Senator, District 28

Not paid for at taxpayer expense.

Paid political advertisement paid for by Working Together for Florida P.C., 133 South Harbor Drive, Venice, FL 34285.