Staff Writer
Duval Delegation members weigh in on first half
Today marks the 30th day of the legislative session, the midpoint of the annual 60-day process. Unless extended, members of the Duval Delegation are halfway home.
While numerous measures have worked their way through committees, the coming weeks are when some of those measures hit councils and the floor.
“Now is the when all the heavy lifting happens,” said State Rep. Charles McBurney.
Looking back at the first half, McBurney said that in terms of legislation passing through committees, it’s been smoother than it was a year ago during the first half.
Two of his bills, including HB 105 regarding civics education as a requirement for middle school, has made its way favorably through the system.
But he knows state budget efforts begin getting hammered out this week.
“It’s going to be a challenge, and difficult decisions will have to be made,” he said. “It’s no different than what businesses and families across Florida are going through. We have to set our priorities.”
Rep. Lake Ray said neither budget proposed by the House nor Senate, estimated to be a little more than a billion dollars apart, were “certainly not perfect” but that lawmakers have and will continue to spend time poring through it line by line.
He’s excited about the movement of two of his port-related bills and plans to spend time assisting the Senate versions in the near future.
It’s been a full and quick-moving first part of session, he said, and differed from last year In terms of how committee meetings were handled and how many bills were heard.
Rep. Mia Jones said the focus has been on policy change and potential revenue-increasing measures. She said bills that require funding haven’t been heard.
Her teen-dating violence and abuse education measure, HB 467, is one example of an item making its way through committees successfully as it focuses on policy change instead of revenue demands, she said.
The first half has seemed a little slow to State Rep. Audrey Gibson, who also serves as this year’s Duval Delegation chair. Like Jones, Gibson said many House members haven’t had the opportunity to see the most controversial and hot-topic measures, such as SB 6 regarding education reform and teacher merit pay among others, hit the House floor for debate.
“I think the fireworks will start once some of these measures hit the floor,” she said. “Those are the hot-button items I think we’ll deal with after Easter.”
Budget discussions begin as early as today, which seems earlier than usual, said Gibson.
The House and Senate are apart in their proposals, and there’s been a lack of infighting in committees.
“It’s when we have the dollars that things are more tenuous,” said Gibson. “When we have money, there’s more fighting on what to do with it.”
While budget talks are likely to on for weeks, Gibson, Jones, Ray and McBurney said they don’t foresee the talks extending into a special session.
“The final challenge is the budget,” said McBurney, “but I’m encouraged by it. I’m confident we’ll get it done. We’re in difficult times and have to be fiscally responsible, but Northeast Florida and the rest of the state will get through it.”
While lawmakers are busy in Tallahassee for the next 30 days, legislators hope Northeast Florida constituents stay in the process.
“Especially during these times, keep us informed of what you’re thinking,” said Ray.
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