The Anna for Florida Blog

Dear Friend, I’m not going to sugarcoat it: Last week was a tough one.  Week six of the 2023 session saw the passage of a near-total ban on abortion in the state of Florida – which Gov. Ron DeSantis then cowardly signed behind closed doors and in the dark of night. ...

Tallahassee, FL: Tonight behind closed doors Governor Ron DeSantis signed one of the most consequential and devastating bills for women’s healthcare into law. SB300 bans abortion at 6 weeks and strips away bodily autonomy for more than half of the state. Here is Rep....

There is a LOT going on right now, but wanted to lift for your attention that SB266 (the Senate companion for HB999) had a hearing on Wednesday and was AMENDED. Unfortunately, the amendments really did not make things much better. Click here and read below for...

Dear Friend, Last week marked the halfway point of the 2023 legislative session.  The House and Senate each passed different versions of a $113 billion budget, and the two chambers will spend the next few weeks negotiating a final spending plan. There are some good...

A federal judge in Texas has just ruled on a lawsuit that seeks to restrict access to one of the two drugs typically used to induce a medicated abortion. The decision could impact 40 million women nationwide, making it the most consequential legal ruling since the...

Joined by Attorney Robert Branson and Senior Paralegal Tammy Branson of BransonLaw Orlando, FL - According to the Student Federal Aid Agency, Floridians have a total of $105.1 billion dollars in student debt with roughly 2.7 million borrowers. When examining the...

Invest in our Mother Earth this Earth Day through action, education, and raising awareness to the place we call home. Earth Day is celebrated everyday to increase support, consciousness, and attention for the much needed environmental protections and sustainability...

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) alongside 18 lawmakers sent a letter to the Executive Director of the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) requesting information relating to the state’s corporate income tax collections. In the letter,...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Friday, March 31st 2023 PRESS CONTACT ysabella@flaccessnetwork.org Florida Abortion Fund leaders to host the first Abortion Fund Day at the Florida Capitol On Wednesday, April 5, Florida Access Network (FAN) will host the first Abortion Fund Day...

Tallahassee, FL: Today Florida Republicans pushed through an extreme 6 week abortion ban and we expect this bill to be heard soon in the Florida House. Here is Representative Eskamani’s response. "This is a devastating day for our state and freedoms. This 6 week...

Tallahassee, FL: Today the Florida Senate dropped a 98 page elections bill that will be heard in its first committee stop tomorrow. Here is Representative Eskamani’s response:    "It is absolutely absurd to drop a 98 page elections bill with just a 24 hour notice for...

Dear Friend, It's hard to believe this, but 2024 will be my last election for the Florida State House. This is due to Florida's term limits: as a State House Representative I can only serve a total of four terms (which equates to eight years). With that said, we want...

Dear Friend, Almost a quarter of Florida residents — some 5.5 million people — pay for medical treatment through Medicaid, a federal government program for low-income families. But close to a million of those could be thrown off the program over the coming year as the...

HB 29 passed its first committee stop unanimously on Thursday, March 30th Tallahassee, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a press conference centered on diaper need this Tuesday, April 4th at 9:00AM in the 4th Floor Rotunda of the Capitol Building in...

Dear Friend, We’re almost halfway through the 2023 session, the Florida Legislature continues to be led around by the nose by an increasingly desperate Gov. Ron DeSantis – who is sinking in presidential polls but trying hard to prove he’s more of an extremist than the...

The month of April is a time for communities to come together to raise awareness, improve prevention, and take action against sexual assault. The theme of 2023’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity”, making a call...

Arab American Heritage Month is an important celebration that recognizes the achievements and the rich culture of Arab Americans in various fields being brought to the forefront of society. The annual commemoration of this month serves as a way to promote cultural...

Dear Friend, Florida's near total abortion ban is being fast-tracked. The bill will be heard on the Senate Floor this Thursday and in its final House Committee stop on that same day at 8:00am. SB300/HB7 is extreme, dangerous, and will force millions of people out of...

Dear Friend, By the time you read this, I’ll already be back in Tallahassee, but I wanted to get you a recap of Week 3.  Things are moving very fast right now. Gov. Ron DeSantis sees his poll numbers slipping in the Republican presidential race, so Republican leaders...

Orlando, FL - According to Florida Policy Institute, there are already 900,000 cases in Florida which have been declared ineligible for Medicaid. On April 1st, the Department of Children and Families will begin to reevaluate who qualifies for Medicaid in a phase...

Dear Friend, Florida Republicans have once again demonstrated a complete disregard for the women of our state and for our collective freedoms by filing SB300/HB7 -- a bill to ban abortion in Florida at six weeks. This bill is extreme, dangerous, and will force...

Dear Friend, The second week of the 2023 legislative session is in the books and, just like we expected, it was a tough week and things are moving fast.  Bullied by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican leaders in the Legislature are trying to ban abortions and books,...

Dear Friend, The first week of the 2023 legislative session is in the books and, just like we expected, it was a tough week.  Bullied by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Republican leaders in the Legislature are trying to ban abortions and books, strangle academic freedom in...

Put together a fact sheet to help unpack HB999/SB266. This 24 page bill is laden with unconstitutional provisions hostile to the First Amendment and academic freedom. The bill has been scheduled for a hearing THIS Monday at 3:00pm in the Postsecondary Education &...

Dear Friend, House Bill 999 / Senate Bill 266 is laden with unconstitutional provisions hostile to freedom of expression and academic freedom within higher education. If passed, it would represent another retreat from the open exchange of ideas that Florida’s leaders...

House Republicans Reject Every Single Pro-Renter Amendments TALLAHASSEE, FL - Today the Florida House State Affairs committee heard HB 627 related to Housing. The bill has many provisions, including a state mandate prohibiting local caps on rent hikes and various...

Honoring Central Florida State Representatives   Each year, March has been nationally recognized as Women’s History Month and March 8th is recognized as International Women’s Day!  This is a time to celebrate the obstacles, successes, and challenges faced by...

There is nothing scarier than not being able to find your child; that fear increases when your child has special needs  Tallahassee, FL: Representative Anna V. Eskamani and Minority Leader Lauren Book filed legislation to ensure all school districts have School Staff...

Today Florida Republicans have filed SB300/HB7, a bill to ban abortion in Florida at 6 weeks. Prior to running for public office, Representative Anna V. Eskamani worked at Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida, and before that was a Planned Parenthood...

Tallahassee, FL: Today it was announced that the Florida Department of State will be withdrawing from the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC). Here is Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s statement in response: “This is a terrible decision that is 100%...

The sweeping “Keep Floridians Housed Act” is one the most comprehensive housing reform packages ever proposed in Florida – a package focused squarely on the needs of renters and tenants rather than landlords and developers. Orlando, FL – Representative Anna V....

In Partnership with the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce, Historic Town of Eatonville, and Senator Geraldine Thompson  Eatonville, FL - Established in 1887, Eatonville made history as the first town in United States’ history to be organized, governed and incorporated by...

Every year, the month of March is recognized as Women’s History month, a time to reflect on the history of women's suffrage, highlight breaking glass ceilings, and shed light on the current struggles that women still face today. Women's History Month began in 1981,...

Today Governor DeSantis signed into law a bill that seals his hostile takeover of Reedy Creek. Below is Representative Eskamani's response: "It’s absolutely wild to see a self-proclaimed capitalist like DeSantis celebrate the government takeover of a private board...

Dear Friend, We just wrapped up our sixth, and final, week of pre-session meetings in Tallahassee. The next time we return to Tallahassee it will be for the start of the 2023 session, which begins March 7 and runs for 60 days. I’m not going to sugarcoat it: This is...

This virtual workshop will focus on the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session Orlando, FL - On Sunday, March 5th, from 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting a virtual pre-session legislative workshop on Zoom and Facebook Live. Join...

Panel will focus on the past, present and future of women’s history in Florida Orlando, FL - In honor of Women's History Month, Representative Anna V. Eskamani has invited elected officials from across Central Florida to convene on a virtual panel to honor the...

A community resource drop to share information on the upcoming 2023 Legislative Session Orlando, FL - On Thursday, March 2nd, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting an in-person pre-session community literature drop in Orlando. Join us...

Dear Friend, HB999 was filed late on Thursday and is the Governor's priority higher education bill. To put it bluntly, this is a very bad bill that includes a breathtaking control of viewpoint and content throughout all academic activity in the entire Florida system....

HB 769/SB 1144 would stop global corporations from using shell games to dodge taxes, level the competitive playing field for small businesses, and raise revenue to help everyday Floridans. Orlando, Fla. – Rep. Anna V. Eskamani and Senator Geraldine Thompson have filed...

An in-person event alongside community advocates and organizational leaders Eatonville, FL - On Tuesday, February 28th, from 5:00pm - 6:00pm, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting an in-person town hall meeting in the Historic Town of Eatonville alongside...

The Bill to Transition Florida to 100% Renewable Energy Is Critical to Florida’s Environmental Health and Economic Success Orlando, FL -  Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) has refiled legislation to transition Florida to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050...

Dear Friend, We’re on the highway and headed back to Tallahassee for one final week of committee meetings before the 2023 session of the Florida Legislature begins on March 7.  But before this week’s battles begin, I wanted to give you an update on last week, which...

Dear Friend, Today marks five years since the Parkland shooting where we lost 17 students and staff to gun violence. Nothing we say or do will bring back the lives lost, but we can -- and we must -- honor their lives through action. The epidemic of gun violence has...

Dear Friend, I’m already preparing to head back to Tallahassee for Week 5 of Committee Meetings, but I wanted to give you on update on the events of last week – which included a five-day special session in which the Florida Legislature made itself into even more of a...

Dear Friend, I wanted to uplift for you a very serious and potentially damaging lawsuit on abortion access taking place in Texas federal court right now. In Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, this case could revoke FDA approval of mifepristone and remove it...

Tallahasee, FL: House Bill 9B just passed the Florida House and is now heading to the Senate. See Representative Eskamani’s statement below. Florida House Republicans just approved the hostile takeover of Reedy Creek while admitting that the district still keeps all...

Representative Eskamani Will Be Unpacking Corporate Tax Loopholes To Close Orlando, FL: Tonight Representative Anna V. Eskamani will be hosting a virtual event focused on Corporate Tax Policy in Florida. Why does this matter? Well, taxes are how governments decide how...

Tallahassee, FL: Today Florida Republicans filed HB9B, a bill that brings back Reedy Creek with a name change and Governor appointed board. Below is Representative Eskamani’s statement in response. "They should rename the district to “Disney is the Governor's...

Dear Friend, Today House Bill 543 will be heard in its first committee stop, Constitutional Rights, Rule of Law & Government Operations Subcommittee. This bill, known as permitless carry, is dangerous. It goes against the will of law enforcement, Florida voters,...

SB 462/HB 579 take action towards ending gun violence Orlando, FL-- Senator Lori Berman (D-Delray Beach) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed SB 462 / HB 579, legislation that would ban assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in Florida....

Orlando, FL: Today Governor Ron DeSantis released his proposed budget for the next fiscal year. Part of his proposal includes what is a Democratic tax break: the tax on children’s diapers. As sponsor of the bill and Ranking Member of the Florida House’s Ways &...

Every year, the month of February is recognized as Black History Month, a time where we honor historic struggles experienced by generations of Black Americans, highlight their boundless achievements, and commit to advancing racial equity in all areas of our society....

As protesters for freedom in Iran persist, federal representatives should continue to push the United Nations' investigative mechanism for crimes against humanity committed by Iran and demand the end of unlawful imprisonment and execution in Iran. Orlando, FL - ...

I see a lot of folks upset and frustrated by book bans in our schools, and classroom libraries shutting down. I am frustrating too, but it's really important to understand how this happened as it's the only way to fight back long term. Here is the final vote on...

State House Representatives in Orange County Are Fighting Back for Public Safety Orlando, FL: Today Florida Republicans announced and filed House Bill 543, a bill that would implement permitless carry in the state and allow people to carry a concealed firearm without...

Orlando, FL: Governor DeSantis just finished what was an unhinged press conference once again attacking higher education in Florida. Below is Representative Anna V. Eskamani’s response. “Unlike Governor Ron DeSantis, I actually went to and graduated from a Florida...

Dear Friend, Session is coming.  I’m back from Tallahassee, where we just wrapped our third week of committee hearings in advance of the Legislative session, which begins March 7. We’re now halfway through our pre-session “committee weeks.” We’ll be headed back to the...

In Partnership with the Eatonville Chamber of Commerce and Senator Geraldine Thompson  Eatonville, FL - In 1887, Eatonville became the first town in America to be organized, governed, and incorporated by African-American citizens, serving as a nationwide pillar of...

Tallahasee, FL: Today, Senate Republicans introduced a housing proposal, SB102. Below is Representative Eskamani’s initial response: “Though I am glad to see Florida Republicans finally agree that housing affordability is an issue that should be addressed, I am...

HB 473 Creates an Interstate Compact Agreement  Orlando, FL -  Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) has refiled legislation to end corporate giveaways in Florida and increase corporate tax transparency.  HB473, titled Agreement For Best Practices in Economic...

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The Florida Supreme Court accepted a request by abortion providers today to hear arguments in their case against House Bill 5 (HB 5), a ban on abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The move comes after several court rulings closed off meaningful...

House Bill 1 is expected to have huge consequences on public education  Orlando, FL - Filed last week, House Bill 1 is a major expansion of school vouchers, and would essentially set up what are known as “education savings accounts,” providing publicly-funded vouchers...

With the two new team members comes transition with current team too Tallahassee, FL: Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce two new members of her Legislative Team. Madison Clearman (she/her) will serve as District Aide and James Williams...

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...