Tallahassee, FL: Today, House Bill 1205, a bill to restrict Florida’s citizen-led initiative process, passed the Senate and is heading to the Governor’s desk. Here is Represenative Eskamani’s statement in response:
“Today is a sad day for democracy in Florida. HB 1205 is yet another attempt by Republican leadership to silence the voices of everyday Floridians and make it harder for the people to directly shape their government. Florida’s citizen initiative process has been a critical tool for voters to advance issues like fair wages, environmental conservation, medical marijuana, and civil rights — issues that politicians in Tallahassee have too often ignored or blocked.Rather than respecting the will of the people, the Legislature has chosen to put up more barriers, tilt the scales in favor of special interests, and undermine one of the last tools Floridians have to hold their government accountable and shape the state’s future. I strongly oppose this bill and will continue to stand with the people of Florida to defend their constitutional rights and their ability to bring meaningful change.”
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