A G-O-P controlled Florida House subcommittee has approved a voting district plan for further consideration in the chamber. The plan — which would maintain the G-O-P’s advantage in the state House — was approved along party lines. As Valerie Crowder reports, Democrats have questions about the data that was used to draw the maps — particularly when it comes to districts that aren’t designated racial and language minority districts.
Florida teachers say their profession is struggling. The state has more than 4-THOUSAND teacher openings well into the school year. Another 5-THOUSAND job postings are for support staff like bus drivers, substitutes and office personnel. The state’s largest teachers union fears bills moving the state legislature will only exacerbate the issues. Lynn Hatter spoke with Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar, who is hoping Florida Republicans will dial down the rhetoric and focus on what he says counts more—the state of Florida’s public education system.
Florida Democrats and reproductive rights advocates are decrying a move to ban most abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Regan McCarthy reports the measure got its first hearing in the Florida House last week, it but has a number of hurdles to clear--including a near-certain review by the state supreme court if lawmakers sign off on the bill.
The governor may soon be able to get faster approval for his appointed state agency leaders. Gina Jordan reports a bill would streamline executive appointments.
A proposed bill to make it easier to put construction projects in waters with protected seagrass is making its way through the Florida legislature. WLRN’s Jenny Staletovich reports the bill drawing opposition from environmentalists is also opposed by Miami-Dade County.