The Anna for Florida Blog

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,...

Dear Friend, Today, the US Supreme Court released their opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, and the decision is devastating for reproductive rights and American freedoms. It's a complete overturning of Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal...

Dear Friend, Today, the US Supreme Court released their opinion in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, and the decision is devastating for reproductive rights and American freedoms. It's a complete overturning of Roe v. Wade, eliminating the federal...

This press release is from Progress Florida and Florida Watch; it is not directly associated with Representative Anna V. Eskamani or our campaign; we share it here as an ICYMI and for folks to see how their lawmaker did! Which state legislators put people ahead of...

Dear Friend, The Republican Party of Florida and the special interests who fund them have launched a smear campaign against us. This morning, they accused me and nine other Democrats of raising money during legislative session and the multiple special sessions...

Orlando, FL - According to Realtor.com’s most recent May rent report, three Florida metro areas are leading the nation in rent growth - Miami, Orlando and Tampa - causing many to declare the Sunshine State as the least affordable in the country. As prices to rent or...

Dear Friend, I just wanted to send a quick note to wish all Dads out there (including dog and cat dads) a Happy Father's Day! Each day, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for my Dad, who raised a family of three kids on his own after our Mom passed away to cancer in...

Last year, Congress and President Joe Biden deemed Juneteenth a federal holiday. We know in Florida and across the United States that the fight for equality, especially against voter suppression and racial discrimination has progressed, but is far from realized. Back...

Dear Friend, We are proud to announce that Team Anna has officially qualified to be on the ballot in the newly drawn House District 42! Special thank you to everyone who signed a petition for us and to our amazing volunteers -- our success is all thanks to you, and...

Dear Friend, Today marks the six year remembrance of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, where we lost 49 angels to gun violence. The majority of those directly impacted identified as LGBTQ+ and young people of color. Fathers. Mothers. Brothers. Sisters. Daughters. Sons....

Featuring bi-weekly legislative office hours in Orange County Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani, representing parts of Orlando, Winter Park, Belle Isle, Edgewood, and soon Eatonville and Maitland in the Florida House, is taking her constituent services...

Team Anna Welcomes a Cohort of Young Leaders to Serve On Her 2022 Re-Election Campaign Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Summer 2022 Campaign Interns! “This summer semester we welcomed a fantastic team of 8...

Arts & Culture Programs Fully Funded, but Support for People In Need Hard to Find Orlando, FL --  Florida’s State Budget saw the Governor veto $3.1 billion in line-items from the original document approved by the Legislature in the spring. Vetoes included support...

As Legislative Leadership Fails to Address the Climate Emergency, #OnlyOneEarth Plans for Reform. This blog post is written by Team Anna intern Madison Clearman. Orlando, FL - Since 1973, UN Environment Day, or World Environment Day, has been held on June 5th around...

Orlando, FL: Today, 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. Here is Representative Eskamani’s response: “I stand in full support of this...

As Another Hurricane Season Begins, Florida Governor and Legislative Leadership Fail to Address the Growing Climate Crisis Orlando, FL - On Earth Day 2022, State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) and 27 other state representatives sent a letter to Governor...

The Sophomore Democrat Continues to Stay Focused on Serving Her District Orlando, FL: Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani announced that her re-election campaign has knocked on 10,285 doors in the newly drawn House District 42. Meeting constituents at the doors is a...

Joined with Embrace Families to learn about Florida's foster care system and what we can do to help. Orlando, FL - Presently, there are 407,000 American children and youth in foster care and this May, Representative Anna V. Eskamani is joining Embrace Families to...

Joined by the state lead for Make Us Visible Florida, Mimi Chan Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani believes it is essential to celebrate the rich diversity of Florida’s families. On Thursday May 19th at 1:30PM, the Representative will host a virtual event...

In partnership with Pernell Bush, LCSW, CNP of K.E.Y. Counseling Solutions Orlando, FL - It is essential to embrace conversations around mental health to ensure the long-term safety and wellbeing of our communities. Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual...

Joined by advocates within the Florida Department of Veterans’ Services, Orange County Veterans’ Services and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association Orlando, FL - With Memorial Day just two weeks away, Representative Anna V. Eskamani remains...

Orlando, FL - On Monday, May 2nd, Politico published a leaked draft Supreme Court majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that explicitly overturns Roe v. Wade. This would reverse nearly 50 years of precedent and explicitly end federal...

Dear Friend,  Happy Mother's Day from my family to yours! And while I have you, I wanted to share a quick story about my Mom. When I was in elementary school, my Mom would pack my lunch for me. It was never anything too fancy, usually a small apple, sandwich, and 30...

Dear Friend, By now you've heard the news that a draft SCOTUS opinion on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was leaked, and would completely dismantle the protections established under Roe v. Wade. This morning, Chief Justice John Roberts confirmed the...

Orlando, FL — The Supreme Court  will strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito circulated inside the court and obtained by POLITICO. You can read the Politico article...

Good evening,  We know that the cost of housing in Florida has become a daily crisis for hardworking people. And at Team Anna, we are committed to helping folks navigate any challenge that comes your way, and are focused on solutions and problem solving. With that...

A virtual conversation with Joseph (Joey) Knoll, MSN, APRN CEO and Medical Services Director at SPEKTRUM Health and Andrew Lent, MPH, Healthcare Equity Trainer at Equality Florida Orlando, FL - Following recent and persistent attacks against the LGBTQ+ community and...

TALLAHASSEE -- Today, Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) and House and Senate Democrats sent a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis asking that he expand the call for the special session on property and homeowners insurance to include proposals that would provide...

Dear Friend, The Governor just vetoed HB741, the anti-rooftop bill originally drafted by Florida Power & Light (FPL) that would have decimated the rooftop solar industry. This is a huge win for the people of Florida and kudos goes to the thousands of advocates...

Dear Friend, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proved something to us all last week: He is focused entirely on practicing the kind of petty, punitive and performative politics that he thinks will help his future presidential campaign – and not at all on actually doing his job...

Featuring Senior Resource Alliance’s CEO & President, Karla Radka Orlando, FL - The Senior Resource Alliance (SRA) is Brevard, Orange, Osceola and Seminole Counties’ local resource for accessing the many services and programs of the state and federal government,...

Featuring Florida’s Insurance Consumer Advocate, Tasha Carter Orlando, FL - Multiple insurance companies are pulling out of Florida, leaving homeowners with less options and skyrocketing rates. Now, Florida homeowners are unsure where to turn. Even Representative...

Only 1% of Florida businesses even pay a corporate income tax, and now they’re getting a $624 million tax refund Orlando, FL -- At a time when Floridians are experiencing skyrocketing rent and property insurance rates, Governor Ron DeSantis is allowing the state’s...

The 2022 Laboratories of Democracy Initiative Will Focus on Climate and Energy Policy Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani has been selected as one of seven state policymakers from around the United States to participate in the Aspen Institute of Germany's...

Orlando, FL - A flight attendant's work begins well before a flight takes off, but that doesn't mean they always get paid for it. In fact, flight attendants in the United States overwhelmingly do not get paid for boarding, only once airplane doors close and the plane...

As Governor DeSantis prepares to hand out $624 million of our dollars to top 1% profitable corporations, Representatives Nixon and Eskamani requests corporate tax transparency As Governor Ron DeSantis prepares to hand out $624M of Floridians’ public dollars to the top...

The Florida Legislative Session was extended and formally ended Monday, March 14th Orlando, FL - After an intense (and extended) 2 months in Tallahassee, the Florida Legislative Session has ended and there's a LOT to unpack! Your State Representatives and State...

The community event will take place on Saturday, March 26th in Orlando Orlando, FL - After an intense (and extended) two months in Tallahassee, the Florida Legislative Session has ended and legislators statewide have returned home to their districts. In House District...

Dear Friend, Norouz Mobarak, or happy New Year from my family, to yours! Today marks the beginning of the Spring Equinox, which is also the Persian New Year. People in Iran  — along with millions of Iranians and non-Iranians who celebrate the holiday elsewhere around...

Dear Friend, After 60 days of Legislative Session, Majority Leadership offered culture war distractions instead of solutions to real problems facing Floridians and we've had to extend our time in Tallahassee to get it all done, too. Stay tuned for the announcement of...

Tallahassee, FL — The Florida House and Florida Senate agreed to several elements of the 2022 Tax Package, including a one year tax break on children’s diapers. This is inspired by the advocacy of Representative Anna V. Eskamani and is an integration of her bill,...

Dear Friend, We’re back in Tallahassee for one more scheduled week of Legislative Session. I say scheduled because there are rumors that we might have a Special Legislative Session focused on redistricting, too. Thank you for trusting us to be your happy warriors and...

Dear Friend, We're back in Tallahassee for two more scheduled weeks of Legislative Session. Thank you for trusting us to be your happy warriors and for taking action with us. This is your update from Week 7 of Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session. Remember, our...

Dear Friend, As the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida, I am always excited and humbled to share parts of my culture with you! That includes the Persian New Year, or Norouz (pronounced “no-rooz”). In Iran, the new year begins with the...

Dear Friend, This has been a really hard week in Tallahassee. The Florida House passed a 15 week abortion ban, and now the bill is set to be heard in the Florida Senate for its final committee stop. We also saw the 'Don't Say Gay' bill pass its final House Committee,...

Dear Friend, We are starting Week 6 of Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On the House Floor this week is HB5, Florida's 15 week abortion ban. Please scroll down for ways to take action and for your weekly update from the Florida...

Dear Friend, We are starting Week 5 of Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Please scroll down for your weekly update from the Florida Capitol along with a brief COVID-19 update too. Remember, our legislative updates are thorough but...

Dear Friend, We are starting Week 4 of Florida's 2022 Legislative Session and the stakes couldn't be higher. HB5/SB146, the 15 week abortion ban, passed its second committee in the House which means it has only one more stop before the House floor. This Wednesday, SB...

Featuring special guest Patti Brigham, President of Prevent Gun Violence Florida Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani believes it is essential for Floridians to understand the importance of gun safety legislation. The Representative will host a virtual event...

TALLAHASSEE -- For the last two decades, Republican lawmakers in Florida have waged a war on local control in our state. While Floridians in cities and counties throughout the state work to find regional solutions to the challenges affecting our communities, ranging...

Dear Friend, My Mom passed away 18 years ago today from cancer. This is never an easy day for me or my family, but as we fight for everyday people in the State Capitol I am reminded of my Mom's courage and resilience. She was an incredible person, and last night I...

Dear Friend, We won't sugarcoat it, this was a tough week in Tallahassee but we know we're building power across the state and new leaders at Team Anna. Back in Orlando, we came together this weekend with 50 volunteers for our New Year canvass on the 49th Anniversary...

Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Spring 2022 Legislative Interns serving Florida House District 47! “This spring semester, we welcome a brilliant team of 15 interns to serve House District 47 through...

Dear Friend, Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Known for his contributions to the American civil rights movement, Dr. King's vision continues to live on today as we work towards his dream of a United States that is void of segregation...

The two legislators are committed to the health and well-being of Floridians Orlando, FL-- Senator Gary Farmer (D-Fort Lauderdale) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed HB 1409/SB 1936, legislation that would require public schools that directly...

Recent reporting has raised significant questions around the potential of ratepayer funds being used to undermine democracy Orlando, FL -- Today four State House Democrats have signed onto a letter requesting that the Public Service Commission (PSC) immediately begin...

Team Anna Welcomes a Cohort of Young Leaders to Serve On Her 2022 Re-Election Campaign Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Spring 2022 Campaign Interns! “This spring semester we welcomed a fantastic team of 4...

Dear Friend, Welcome to the New Year! Next week we'll be back in Tallahassee for the beginning of Florida's 2022 Legislative Session and we'll restart our weekly legislative updates then too.  For now, scroll down for a your local COVID-19 update. Onward, Rep. Anna V....

Dear Friend, We did it -- we made it through 2021. As Floridians, this was a year of grit and grace, a year of resilience and resistance. It began with the January 6th insurrection but did not stop there. Governor Ron DeSantis has brought the Trump agenda to Florida,...

As December comes to a close, we are reminded of the love, hope, and power cultivated in our work over the last twelve months. This list features only a few of the memories that made 2021 so special, and each one fuels our spirits for the journey ahead. We want to...

Dear Friend, 2021 has been another challenging year -- but we are humbled to be by your side every step of the way, and 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...

ORLANDO, Fla. – Senator Annette Taddeo (D-Miami-Dade) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed legislation to implement online voter registration in public high schools. If passed, HB903/SB1228 would make Florida the seventh state to support voter...

Dear Friend,  Last week was the fifth and final week of Committee Meetings in preparation for the 2022 legislative session, which begins on January 11th. Lots of bills are beginning to move so it’s important for all us to pay attention -- and fight back when needed....

 Legislation will empower citizens impacted by harmful particle emissions from farm operations to file legal action against the producers TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Senator Gary Farmer (D- Fort Lauderdale) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) has filed legislation...