Issue 181, June 4, 2023
This week at our Wednesday meeting, we heard from Senator Clay Yarborough. He began his speech with a few trivia questions about Florida. There are 67 counties in Florida. Session lasts 60 days, and on March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state of the US. In Florida, you are never further than 30 miles to saltwater. Florida Keys have 1700 islands, and the state was originally called La Flora (which means The Flower). Our flower is the orange blossom, and the panther is the state animal.
There were many other trivia questions, but Yarborough got down to business and spoke about the highlights from the state government.
One of the title bills was from brought up by the governor, covering the blocking of reassignment of sexual orientation for minors. This will prevent doctors from prescribing hormone blockers or operating on minors for reassignment surgery.
Also, in the best interest of our children, no minors are allowed in adult live performances with sexual conduct or lewd acts construed as pornographic. In the same vein, K-3 children will not have instruction about sexual activities, nor will books be allowed with this type of subject for this age group.
Yarborough spoke about Tort Reform with the major outcome on the budget. The current budget is set at $117 Billion and there are multiple tax relief holidays set aside for Floridians to save based on the overages of the past. There are savings for Back-to-School, Disaster Preparedness, Freedom activities, skilled workers’ tool purchases, and local communication service taxes. Please check the internet for specifics and dates.
Next week, we will hear from Timothy Gibbons, Editor of the Jacksonville Business Journal. Don’t forget to bring a door prize and a potential member. We have a lot of great activities coming up and we want a great attendance. See you soon!
Respectfully,
Jeanne Maron
2023 President
