The Anna for Florida Blog

Dear Friend, Today marks what would have been the 50th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade. In this moment of incredible loss, we must remind ourselves that Roe was never the ceiling, it was the floor. And it is our duty to center communities that were always left out, fight...

Dear Friend, We just got back to Tallahassee for the third week of committee meetings ahead of the 2023 legislative session but I wanted to make sure you saw our Team Update from last week's meetings too.  We had a packed schedule last week; five of my committees held...

Part of a National Weekend of Action for Abortion Access Orlando, FL - Fifty years since the landmark case Roe V. Wade decision and we are now a nation without a constitutional right to abortion, with GOP extremists hostile to access, seeking to ban abortion in...

Dear Friend, This weekend marks what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Which is why we're partnering with organizations across the state to host a #BiggerThanRoe rally and march right here in Orlando. Not in Orlando? Find an event near you at this...

Dear Friend, I am not sure if you heard the news, but last week I was unanimously elected by my colleagues to serve as Chair for the Orange County Legislative Delegation, alongside Senator Geraldine Thompson as Vice Chair and Representative Johanna López as Secretary....

Representative Anna V. Eskamani Announces Launch of the Energy and Climate Caucus in the Florida Legislature A new coalition of Florida lawmakers is banding together to pursue policies that combat climate change, reduce fossil-fuel dependence, and promote clean-energy...

Orlando, FL: It’s a new year — so let’s fight for a new Florida! Tonight Representative Anna V. Eskamani alongside her team at People Power for Florida will be launching their 2023 Virtual Volunteer Kickoff! We will be looking back on the 2022 election cycle and...

Bipartisan Group of 26 Lawmakers Sign On to Letter Supporting Freedom Fighters in Iran Orlando, FL: Today a group of 26 lawmakers released a bipartisan letter in support of the Iranian people that includes specific requests for federal officials to take. You can read...

Dear Friend, I am excited to announce that on February 4th, People Power For Florida will launch its inaugural organizing bootcamp -– a training for local college and high school students where they will learn best practices for political organizing, community...

Dear Friend, The 2023 session of the Florida Legislature unofficially began this past Tuesday with our first week of committee meetings in Tallahassee. Three of my committees met last week, including the Select Committee on Hurricane Resiliency & Recovery. This is...

Hosted in advance of Legislative Session and amid national attacks on abortion rights Orlando, FL - 50 years following the landmark Roe v Wade decision, we are now a nation without a constitutional right to abortion. In the six months since the SCOTUS decision to...

Dear Friend, Wednesday was meant to be a quiet day nestled between Christmas and New Years Eve, but then the DeSantis Administration began to attack not just a local drag show, but they threatened one of our most beloved Orlando venues too. For more context: On...

While yard signs are coming down, holiday lights are going up as we lean into a season of reflection. This year demanded endurance and empathy, but we stretched to meet the mark every time. Team Anna has been so honored to spend this year with you and to call you a...

Orlando, FL - 50 years following the landmark Roe v Wade decision, we are now a nation without a constitutional right to abortion. In the six months since the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe, we have witnessed monumental attacks towards  abortion access in Florida and...

Trabajando Para Usted, Luchando Por Nosotros El huracán Ian ha impactado a todo el estado de la Florida. Esta página será actualizada regularmente por la Representante Anna V. Eskamani con formas de buscar apoyo y participar. Esta página fue actualizada el 27 de...

Nap Travay Pou Ou, Nap Goumen Pou Nou Siklòn Ian afekte tout Eta Florid la. Reprezantan Anna V. Eskamani pral mete paj sa a ajou regilyèman yon fason pou ou ka chèche sipò ak patisipe. Dènye mizajou a te fèt 27 desanm 2022.INITE FLORID FON Tanpri ranpli fòm sa a pou...

Working For You, Fighting For Us Hurricane Ian has impacted the entire State of Florida. This page will be updated regularly by Representative Anna V. Eskamani with ways to seek support and get involved. This was last updated on December 27, 2023.UNITE FLORIDA FUND...

Dear Friend, 2022 has been another challenging year. But we have been humbled to be by your side every step of the way, and we hope that wherever you are, holiday cheer finds you with peace, love, and joy. Growing up in a working class immigrant family here in Orlando...

This update is from HSN and can be found here. Freezing temperatures are expected Friday, Saturday and possibly Sunday nights throughout Central Florida. Gusty winds are also forecast, meaning the windchill factor will make temperatures feel like they're in the 20s....

Dear Friend, As the eight days of Hanukkah begin, I want to wish all who celebrate a wonderful holiday surrounded by love and family. Hanukkah reminds us of the power of light and the resilience of the Jewish people in the face of the greatest challenges. It's also an...

Dear Friend, Friday night I joined Chris Hayes on MSNBC to talk about Governor DeSantis and his extreme anti-abortion agenda. We also talked about my past work at Planned Parenthood, and what it'll take to fight back against a GOP super-majority in Tallahassee....

Orlando, FL: Today during a press conference in Fort Lauderdale Governor Ron DeSantis was asked if he would “take the lead” on the “heartbeat bill,” also known as a six week abortion ban. He responded with: “I’m willing to sign great life legislation. That’s what I’ve...

Orlando, FL: Today the Florida House of Representatives announced Ranking Member positions for each committee. You can see full list here, and we are proud to announce that Representative Anna V. Eskamani has been re-appointed as the Ranking Member for the Ways &...

Dear Friend, I just got home from Tallahassee where Republican leaders rushed through a 72-hour special session in order to pass a property-insurance bill demanded by Governor Ron DeSantis that guarantees no immediate rate reduction for Floridians. Unfortunately, the...

The current exemption set to end June 30, 2023 Orlando, FL -  Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) has refiled legislation to prevent families from being charged sales tax when purchasing diapers and adult incontinence products. If passed, House Bill 29 would...

Eskamani Invited to Collaborative Space of Lawmakers from Across the Country Washington, DC: Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani will join White House officials and fellow state lawmakers for a collaborative conversation focused on the fight for LGBTQ+ equality. The...

WASHINGTON, DC, December 6, 2022—Americans for the Arts is pleased to present Representatives Anna V. Eskamani, Carlos Guillermo Smith, Jay Trumbull, and Jayer Williamson with the Public Leadership in the Arts Award for State Arts Leadership, in partnership with the...

Orlando, FL: Today committee assignments were announced for the 2023 Regular Legislative Session. Representative Anna V. Eskamani has been assigned to serve on: Infrastructure Strategies Committee Transportation & Modals Subcommittee Select Committee on Hurricane...

With the new decorations glittering across our District, and the temperature beginning to drop (at least for Floridians!), it’s time to celebrate the holiday season! This year has undoubtedly been challenging for so many, but we’re no strangers to finding power in...

The Lawmaker is Continuing the Tradition of Sharing Holiday Cheer in House District 42 Orlando, FL-- Tonight, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting her 4th Annual night of caroling!  An annual tradition, volunteer carolers will be meeting at Representative...

Orlando, FL: Florida State Representative Anna V. Eskamani hosted a virtual discussion focused on what renters can do to advocate for themselves and what steps to take when navigating an eviction. Representative Eskamani was joined by Mike Resnick from The Legal Aid...

Orlando, FL-- Tomorrow, November 30th at 10:00am, Florida State Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual discussion focused on what renters can do to advocate for themselves and what steps to take when navigating an eviction. Representative Eskamani will be...

Orlando, FL -- Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani submitted a letter of support to Secretary Debra Haaland of the Department of the Interior and Director Martha Williams of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service asking that they heed the request of a recent petition to...

Orlando, FL: The Florida Boards of Medicine and Osteopathy are in the process of passing rules that restrict gender-affirming care and today Representative Anna V. Eskamani submitted her public comments in support of LGBTQ+ Floridians. You can read her comments here....

Donations will be provided to children of all ages across the Central Florida area Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani has launched a Team Anna Toy Drive to support two local nonprofits located in House District 42: Nathaniel’s Hope and United Against...

Dear Friend, Happy Thanksgiving from the Team Anna family to yours! Our team wishes you a restful holiday and a safe weekend ahead with special thanks to those who are working this holiday season and those organizations who are spending the day serving others. I also...

Dear Friend, This morning we woke up to devastating news: A 22-year-old gunman entered an LGBTQ+ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado, just before midnight and immediately opened fire, killing at least five people and injuring 18 others, before patrons confronted...

In the United States, millions of families sit around their dinner table on the fourth Thursday of November to express their gratitude and reflect as the year is coming to a close. This ritual traces back to celebratory harvest festivals hosted by indigenous people in...

Dear Friend, Today is Veterans Day -- a moment to honor the contributions of our military service members, and recommit ourselves to ensuring the health and well-being of our veterans. There are close to 1.5 million veterans in the State of Florida and we are humbled...

Veterans Day is a holiday that recognizes the brave individuals who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This occasion is commemorated annually on November 11th to coincide with the anniversary of the end of World War I in 1918, originally referred to as “Armistice...

Dear Friend, I know we are still processing the results of the 2022 Election Cycle in Florida and are watching national results come in too -- but I did want to take a moment make sure you were prepared for Tropical Storm Nicole.  Based on the latest storm track, the...

Dear Friend, We did it -- we won our re-election and by a landslide too. Words cannot express my immense gratitude to our incredible constituents for your support, and to our volunteers who got us to the finish line. In fact, House District 42 saw an 11% greater...

Looking for ways to help get out the vote this election cycle? Well you've come to the right place! Scroll down to see upcoming events for this final GOTV push! Super Monday GOTV Phonebank | Monday, November 7th, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Join us as we call Floridians...

Orlando, FL -- Today 14 Iranian-American elected officials and candidates have released a letter of solidarity with the women and people of Iran as they risk their lives for freedom. Representative Anna V. Eskamani is one of the signers. Born in Orlando, Eskamani is...

Dear Friend, In case you missed it -- last week we were proud to earn the Orlando Sentinel's endorsement! I take a lot of pride in being a problem solver for Central Floridians, pushing back against the unnecessary culture wars while trying to alleviate the real life...

Orlando, FL— Several white supremacist Telegram channels have been sharing information about an upcoming drag story hour event at Orlando’s LGBT+ Center on October 29, 2022. This includes the neo-Nazi National Socialist Movement (NSM), whose members claim they will...

This National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, our team wanted to highlight the many programs and resources available to support domestic violence survivors. 

Orlando, FL - As healthcare expenses continue to rise, millions of Americans face the threat of losing coverage. The Open Enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace will reopen on Tuesday, November 1st and allow new and existing patients to either...

Orlando, FL - In honor of the passage of a one-year tax exemption for children’s diapers in Florida, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual press conference celebrating the win for Florida’s families. This event will take place on Tuesday, October 11th at...

Orange County will continue to provide assistance to tenants and landlords with the opening of phase two of its Emergency Rental Assistance Program on Saturday 10/8 at 8 a.m. Visit ocfl.net/RentalAssistance NOTE: You must live in Orange County and outside the City of...

Dear Friend, This Saturday and Sunday are being dubbed as a national Weekend of Action for abortion rights. You can find a full list of events here, but below are three ways to get plugged in with what's happening right here in Central Florida. First, we have our...

Orlando, FL - More than 2.5 million Floridians were under mandatory evacuation orders when Hurricane Ian made landfall last week. Major devastation has impacted Southwest Florida and property damage has been experienced at different degrees statewide. In the wake of...

Lawmaker organizes volunteers to help clear yard debris in Orlando Orlando, FL - In the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting a community clean-up Saturday, October 1st in Orlando starting at 9am.  With yard debris, fallen tree...

Dear Friend, We are working on sending a more thorough Hurricane Ian update but first wanted to bring to your attention two supply drives happening in Central Florida along with a volunteer opportunity and ways for impacted UCF students to seek support. Expect another...

Dear Friend, I am writing this email to you from my home in Orlando where we lost power and are witnessing mass flooding. Evacuations are taking place, but the impact here is nowhere near what we've witnessed in Southwest Florida. My heart aches for our state and we...

Dear Friend, The eyewall of Hurricane Ian with dangerous winds near Category 5 status has begun to make landfall over Sanibel and Captiva islands in southwest Florida, according to the National Weather Service, as the system is expected to barrel its way up toward...

Dear Friend, Hurricane Ian is heading toward Florida after raking western Cuba – and evacuation orders have been made for the peninsula’s west coast ahead of what could be life-threatening storm surge in the Tampa and Fort Myers areas and flooding rains. You can plug...

Dear Friend, Tropical Storm Ian strengthened into a hurricane as it churned north toward the Gulf of Mexico. Much of Florida and the entire Tampa Bay area remained in the forecast cone and a hurricane watch was issued for the Tampa Bay area early this morning. On...

Dear Friend, Hurricane Fiona slammed into southwestern Puerto Rico on Sunday, wiping out the power grid and cutting off clean water to most of the island's residents. Hurricane Fiona continues to make landfall throughout the Caribbean too. This blackout and...

Orlando, FL: Protests have broken out in Iran after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who was arrested by Iran's "Morality Police" for "improperly" donning the hijab because she had not completely covered her hair. According to a Reuters report, she died...

Orlando, FL - According to the EPA, three Central Florida landfills are among the top emitters of greenhouse gasses in the country. Landfills like the Orange County Landfill are huge producers of methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. The...

Every year, during Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate and honor the cultures, histories, and achievements of Hispanic Americans, whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America. To date, this month formally recognizes cultures from...

Orlando, FL: Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani officially endorsed Dr. Michael Daniels for Orange County School Board District 3. As an Orange County public school graduate herself, Representative Eskamani knows how incredibly important it is to have qualified,...

Orlando, FL - As the cost of living climbs across our state, many families struggle with “diaper need,” or the incapacity to afford essential hygiene products such as diapers. On July 1st, 2022, legislation took effect that created a year-long diaper tax holiday in...

Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Fall 2022 Legislative Interns, serving the people of Florida on Team Anna! “This fall semester, we have welcomed a brilliant team of 10 interns to serve House District 47...

Dear Friend,  Today marks twenty-one years since 9/11. We promised to never forget, and I still grieve for every life lost on that terrible morning, and for every person who lost loved ones too. Orlando knows how to find power in pain, and though 9/11 marks difficult...

ORLANDO – The Center for Multicultural Wellness and Prevention Inc. (CMWP) in collaboration with the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce of Florida Inc., Florida Department of Health in Orange County, Advent Health, and Florida Hospital will host the 19th Annual...

Dear Friend, I’m the daughter of working-class immigrants, of parents who had to work multiple minimum-wage jobs just to make ends meet. Before my Mom passed away to cancer in 2004, my twin sister, Ida, and I would sometimes join her when she was working shifts at...

By Anna Eskamani Guest Columnist • Aug 28, 2022 at 5:30 am • Published in the Orlando Sentinel Two months ago, the Supreme Court of the United States struck down Roe v. Wade, expressly taking away the constitutional right to access abortion care from the American...

Dear Friend, I am humbled to share that we have been recognized by Orlando Weekly readers for three separate awards! ✅ Local Legend ✅ Best Local Leader During the Pandemic ✅ Best Local Politician Here's what the Orlando Weekly had to say: "Eskamani is a no-nonsense...

We are all connected by our stories. The lived experiences of the people on Team Anna are what make this work so meaningful and our impact so lasting well beyond election season. We recognize that power is not a scarce resource, but instead something that we build...

Featuring a discussion about historic women from Central Florida. Orlando, FL - In honor of Women's Equality Day, or Women’s Suffrage Day, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual discussion dedicated to regional history and our ongoing movement for...

Dear Friend, Today is Election Day! Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. (local time). Any voters waiting in line at 7:00 p.m. will have the opportunity to cast a ballot. Click here to find your polling location and learn more about your ballot. You can also click...

Orlando, FL: Today four State House Representatives sent this letter to Attorney General Ashley Moody asking her to investigate the state’s largest utility company, Florida Power & Light (FPL). Based on the letter’s signers, there is ample evidence to suggest that...

Dear Friend, Abortion is on the ballot this year in Florida, which is why every Thursday in August we are hosting a Virtual Phone Bank to activate Florida voters about what's at stake with reproductive rights in our state. You can RSVP to join us here. Our next...

For Immediate Release: August 9, 2022 Orlando, FL - In July, state analysts predicted that nearly 850 people will move to Florida daily from 2021 to 2026. This trend coupled with surging homeowner and rental costs demands that local leaders are armed with relevant...

Dear Friend, I am proud to share that Team Anna has been nominated for FOUR different Orlando Weekly 'Best of Orlando' awards! They include *drum roll please* 🥁 🔵 Local Notables, Best Local Activist Group: Team Anna 🔵 Local Notables, Best Local Politician: Rep. Anna...

Dear Friend, Early voting begins today in Orange County and in other counties across Florida! Not sure when Early Voting starts and ends in your county? Click here to find your county and confirm. Last night we hosted a virtual event to help folks fill out their...

August 5th marks International Beer Day, where we recognize the great local breweries that serve our community here in House District 42! Drink around town at these eight small breweries and bars. Believe it or not, there is a global celebration of beer, taking place...

Orlando, FL – Governor DeSantis announced a suspension of Hillsborough County’s duly elected State Attorney, Andrew Warren. Here is Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response:    “This is a gross political attack on a duly elected State Attorney who has...

Tonight Kansas voters resoundingly decided against removing the right to abortion from their State Constitution. This is a major victory for the abortion rights movement in one of America’s reliably conservative states. Below is Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s...

Featuring data scientist Arya V. Eskamani Orlando, FL - Floridians are struggling with rising costs, and our state has seen some of the highest rates of inflation. At the end of June, the national inflation rate was at 9.1% with Florida at just over 11%. The cost of...

On Thursday, July 28 at 1 p.m. ET, Rep. Eskamani joined the American Economic Liberties Project, New York Senate Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris and other state and community leaders for an important conversation and workshop about the harms of secret deals...

Representative Eskamani Serves as the Ranking Member of the Ways & Means Committee Orlando, FL: “CS/CS/SB 50: Taxation” passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2021 legislative session, and signed into law by Governor DeSantis on April 19, 2021, requires...

Dear Friend, We already knew that consultants for fossil-fuel polluter Florida Power & Light rigged our elections with “ghost candidates,” tried to bribe an elected official in Jacksonville, and plotted dark-money schemes through a fake email account for the...

Featuring The Center for Independent Living, Disability Rights FL, & Community Advocates Orlando, FL - The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public...

Dear Friend, I am proud to announce that this past weekend we were awarded the Florida PTA Legislator of the Year award! I would not be who I am or where I am today if it wasn’t for the incredible educators and support staff that got me into reading, math, technical...

In 2017, Dan Caporale, a Marine Corps veteran and the founder of Hire Our Heroes, helped to found Hire A Veteran Day which has been celebrated annually ever since on July 25th. This national day is dedicated to spreading awareness and helping the countless veterans...

Good morning! Representative Anna V. Eskamani here with a friendly reminder that today is the last day to get registered to vote for the August 23rd Election! Below are important dates to know and links to have: CLICK HERE TO REGISTER TO VOTE ONLINE OR UPDATE YOUR...

Dear Friend, Last week, we demonstrated yet again the power of people. In less than 36 hours, volunteers mobilized to bring information to doors of folks in our district about last Friday's deadline to apply for rental assistance in Orange County. As ERAP 2 is...

Dear Friend, Vice President Kamala Harris will be in Orlando today and part of her visit will include a round table discussion with state lawmakers focused on reproductive rights. That round table will include me. I worked at Planned Parenthood before I ran for office...

Team Anna Welcomes a Cohort of Young Leaders to Serve at Their Orlando District Office Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s Summer 2022 Legislative Interns! “This summer semester, we have welcomed a brilliant team of 15...

As the Supreme Court rolls back reproductive rights with the reversal of Roe v. Wade, the Fourth of July meets us in a moment of resilience and reflection. Independence Day is meant to underscore our personal freedoms and serves as an opportunity to learn and reflect...

Orlando, FL: The Center for Reproductive Rights, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit challenging House Bill 5, Florida’s 15 week abortion ban. Today, Judge Cooper granted injunctive relief [from the bench] to delay the...

Orlando, FL: Today the Supreme Court of the United States sharply curtailed the authority of the EPA to regulate greenhouse-gas emissions that cause climate change. In a 6-3 ruling the court sides with conservative states and fossil-fuel companies in adopting a narrow...

Featuring Yoseline Rodriguez, Service Learning Director at Hope CommUnity Center Orlando, FL - It is essential to embrace conversations around immigrant heritage to honor those who have come before us and to enrich our communities for the future. Representative Anna...

Co-Hosted With Organizations Like Florida Access Network, this Event Will Focus On Ways To Take Action Post-Roe in Florida Orlando, FL:  After nearly 50 years of precedent, the Supreme Court has eliminated our constitutional right to abortion. We know that none of us...

Some folks are asking about a ballot amendment in Florida to protect abortion access. For me, we should consider all options and directions -- but in the immediate we must focus on supporting abortion funds and defeating DeSantis this November. We take down DeSantis,...