from staff
The 60-day 2011 Legislative session began March 8. Rep. Janet Adkins, a Republican representing District 12, is a member of the Duval Legislative Delegation.
Adkins, a full-time lawmaker from Fernandina Beach, was elected to the House in 2008 and subsequently re-elected. The Daily Record will feature legislators during the session.
What is the biggest issue facing Northeast Florida this session?
Private-sector job creation is the most important issue facing Northeast Florida this session. While the Legislature struggles to balance the budget with an expected $3.75 billion shortfall in revenue, our state unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the nation, and well above the national unemployment rate. We must focus on getting ways to get Florida’s economy back on track and creating more private-sector jobs for our citizens.
What will your role be in resolving it?
I have filed several bills this year that particularly address this issue in our rural counties. One such bill is a local bill addressing job creation and economic development for Nassau County. This bill will provide additional tools to local government to identify and encourage economic development in specific areas of the county, and encourage private-sector job creation.
What bill are you sponsoring or supporting that you consider most significant?
HB 39, which bans synthetic cannabinoids in Florida. These synthetic cannabinoids can be compared to a more potent form of marijuana, and last year alone accounted for more than 2,000 phone calls to poison control centers around the country. We know that the effects of these drugs are much more intense than those of marijuana, and we have to do everything we can to get this product out of the reach of our youth.
Do you have support for it?
Yes, in fact this bill has already passed the House of Representatives and has been sent to the Senate where it is expected to be taken up on the Senate floor before the end of the 2011 legislative session.
What is the hottest legislative issue this week?
The state budget is scheduled to be debated on the floor of the House this week. Along with the main appropriations bill, there are a number of conforming bills that will be taken up that address various state programs and agencies as well as the Florida Retirement System. The House has scheduled seven hours today and tomorrow to present and debate these bills, and I expect these will be two very long days.