The Anna for Florida Blog

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...

Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani has launched a Team Anna Toy Drive to support two local nonprofits located in House District 47: Nathaniel’s Hope and United Against Poverty Orlando. Nathaniel’s Hope is dedicated to celebrating kids with special needs -...

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 wanted to...

Dear Friend, I am not going to lie -- this wasn’t a good week in Tallahassee. We arrived on Sunday for a Special Legislative Session that was called by Governor DeSantis to attack the Biden Administration on vaccine requirements, not only feeding into the...

Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani is partnering with local nonprofit Harbor House for their ongoing Holiday Meal Drive.  Harbor House is a state-certified domestic violence shelter serving the Central Florida community. All collected non-perishable items...

The Orlando Democrat is Known for Her Grassroots Organizing Focus Orlando, FL --  In 2018 Representative Anna V. Eskamani made history in flipping a State House legislative seat, becoming the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida, beginning...

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 over 1.5 million veterans in the State of Florida and we are humbled by...

The 2022 Florida Legislative Session begins on January 11, 2022   Orlando, FL - Although the next Legislative Session will begin on January 11th, the Florida legislature is convening a Special Session this coming Monday to discuss banning Florida businesses from...

Dear Friend, Last Thursday we wrapped up Week 4 of Committee Meetings ahead of the 2022 legislative session. Bills are already beginning to move, so all of us need to be aware – and ready to respond. Scroll down to see what happened last week and click here to read...

Over 90 percent of Americans agree that it is everyone’s civic duty to pay their fair share of taxes and that those who cheat on their taxes should be held accountable. Despite this, Florida has an upside-down tax code where lower-paid workers spend a greater share of...

Coyotes are found throughout Florida. According to a 2007 FWC report, the presence of coyotes has been documented in all 67 Florida counties. Coyotes arrived in Florida as part of natural range expansion from western states; they now live in every state but Hawaii....

Orlando, FL -- Today, November 5th at 12:00pm EST, Florida State Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual panel focused on what renters can do to advocate for themselves amid an affordable housing crisis.    Representative Eskamani will be joined by leaders...

Eskamani’s legislative package would undo laws usurping local government power that big businesses have lobbied through the Florida Legislature Tallahassee, Fla. — State Representative Anna V. Eskamani launched a 2022 “Repeal-a-thon” — an effort to restore home-rule...

Repealer Would Remove Unnecessary Restriction Preventing Counties Like Orange from Using TDT Funding on Mass Transit Tallahassee, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani has filed HB6075, a repealer bill to allow counties like Orange to spend additional hotel bed tax...

HB359, HB6041, and HB6059 Help to End Corporate Subsidies in Florida Tallahassee, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani has filed three bills designed to end corporate giveaways in Florida and increase corporate tax transparency.  “Corporate giveaways, which often go...

Dear Friend, Happy Halloween! I know that these continue to be challenging times, but did want remind families that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not only encouraged families to go trick-or-treating tonight, but has also offered guidance to...

Dear Friend,  Last Thursday we wrapped up Week 3 of Committee Meetings ahead of the 2022 Legislative Session! Scroll down to see what went down in your State Capitol.  Remember: Our Legislative Updates are thorough, but will never be all encompassing. Be sure to keep...

More than 200 Guests Attended Eskamani’s Virtual Celebration Kicking off her 2022 Campaign Orlando, FL— Last night Representative Anna V. Eskamani and her team hosted a Virtual 2022 Re-Election Campaign Kick Off. The event had more than 200 guests in attendance, and...

Video Focuses on Representative Eskamani’s Track Record of Solving Problems and Supporting All Floridians Orlando, FL — Representative Anna V. Eskamani released a new campaign video dubbed Working For You, Fighting For Us that focuses on her track record of solving...

The Local Jedi and State House Representative is Bringing Together a Stellar Program Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani announced the speaker line up for her 2022 Re-Election Campaign Kickoff!  In addition to special guest Mark Hamill, the virtual event...

Dear Friend,  This past Thursday night I returned from Tallahassee for our second week of Committee Meetings ahead of the 2022 Legislative Session. I’m already heading back to Tallahassee for our third week, but, in the meantime, scroll down to read our Week 2...

The Two Lawmakers Hope to Amplify AAPI Stories & Combat the Rise in Asian Hate Tallahassee, FL -- Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed HB281/SB490, legislation to require the teaching of Asian American and...

The two legislators are committed to reducing gun violence in situations of domestic violence and ensuring women’s voices are heard in the gun safety debate Orlando, FL-- Senator Lori Berman (D-Delray Beach) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have...

Both Central Florida Lawmakers are Prioritizing Home Rule and Historic Green Spaces Tallahassee, FL—  Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) and Senator Linda Stewart (D-Orlando) have filed legislation to restore local control on trees. HB6025/SB316 would repeal...

The Fight to Protect Abortion Access Continues Orlando, FL — Representative Anna V. Eskamani has refiled legislation to repeal years of unconstitutional anti-abortion restrictions from Florida law. HB6023 repeals the burdensome mandatory delay law to access an...

HB6029 Focuses on Repealing Mandatory Minimums For Non-Violent Drug Offenders Tallahassee, FL— HB6021 filed by Representative Anna V. Eskamani seeks to repeal mandatory minimum laws that impact non-violent drug offenders. “Mandatory minimums don’t work to reduce crime...

A tax break that was supposed to help struggling urban communities is instead padding the profits of one of the biggest and richest corporations in the world  Tallahassee, FL — State Representative Anna. V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) has filed legislation to eliminate a...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Senator Lori Berman, and Environmental Advocates to Host Press Conference to Highlight Renewable Energy Bill The Bill to Transition Florida to 100% Renewable Energy Is Critical to Florida’s Environmental Health...

The Bill to Transition Florida to 100% Renewable Energy Is Critical to Florida’s Environmental Health and Economic Success Orlando, FL - State Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) and Senator Lori Berman (D-Boynton Beach) have re-filed critical legislation to...

Orlando, FL - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual public health campaign that engages communities around the topics of breast health and the impact of breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer in their lifetime although it...

Rally in Orlando is One of 600+ Other Actions Happening Across the US Orlando, FL — On Saturday, October 2nd, at 11:00am - 1:00pm hundreds of Central Floridians will take to the streets in a march to demand an end to the dangerous, escalating attacks on reproductive...

Dear Friend,  This Thursday night I returned from Tallahassee for what was our first week of Committee Meetings. Scroll down for an update of what went down in Tallahassee as we prepare for the 2022 Legislative Session.  This upcoming week is a busy one for Team Anna....

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Senate Democratic Leader Lauren Book (D-Plantation) and Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando) have filed legislation to prevent families from being charged sales tax when purchasing diapers and adult incontinence undergarments. If passed, SB...

Orlando, FL - In the United States, one in three parents struggle with “diaper need,” or the incapacity to provide their babies with essential items such as diapers. While little assistance exists nationwide to alleviate diaper need, there exists a regressive tax on...

Orlando, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani has been appointed to five committees in the Florida House and reappointed to two Democratic Ranking Member positions. See more below: Ways & Means Committee, Democratic Ranking Member Regulatory Reform Subcommittee,...

Dear Friend, “No Day Shall Erase You From the Memory of Time.” These words are from Book IX of "The Aeneid" by the Roman poet Virgil, and speaks to the transformative potential of remembrance. They are also part of an art installation in the 9/11 Memorial Museum...

Orlando, FL - Today at 4:00pm Representative Anna V. Eskamani joins housing experts, public administrators, and local advocates for a comprehensive look at the affordable housing crisis in Central Florida and what steps we can take to address it. The city of Orlando...

Dear Friend, As the daughter of working-class immigrants, words cannot describe my deep appreciation for -- and commitment to -- labor. Whether we belong to a union in our workplace or not, all of us owe a debt of gratitude for the rights that workers around the...

Dear Friend, All through the COVID-19 pandemic our small but mighty team has been championing direct constituent services. We have supported small businesses and helped workers deal with the state’s criminally broken unemployment system. We have delivered rental...

Dear Friend, I am proud to announce that Orlando Weekly readers have awarded us with a pair of 2021 Best of Orlando titles. For two years in a row, we have been selected as Orlando's Best Local Politician and Best Local Leader During the Pandemic! We are proud of this...

Dear Friend, This has been a tough 48 hours for reproductive freedom but we remain vigilant and focused. In case you missed it, here's the editorial that I wrote for the Orlando Sentinel focused on the Texas abortion ban and what we need to do in Florida to protect...

Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Summer 2021 Legislative Interns! “This Fall semester we welcome a brilliant team of 14 interns to serve House District 47 through virtual activities and direct constituent...

Orlando, FL - In 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified, granting select women the right to vote. It was a major victory towards equality and justice in the suffrage movement, yet also reflected the need for further change. Now 101 years later, we continue to break...

The Orlando Democrat has Collected & Submitted More Than 628 Signatures To Qualify for the 2022 Ballot Orlando, FL --  Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce that she has qualified for the 2022 ballot by petition! Representative Eskamani...

Orlando, FL- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is teaming up with All On The Line to host a virtual event focused on the basics of redistricting and ways for everyday people to get involved in this incredibly important process.  The Florida legislature will soon be...

Dear Friend, Last week, I heard news of a Republican plot to attack me and the incredible movement that we are building together. Their plan? To go after not only me, but my twin sister, too.  My twin sister, Ida, and I have lived together for our entire lives. We...

Orlando, FL - On July 15th, 39 million American families will receive the first of six advance monthly payments of the advance federal child tax credit. On Thursday July 15th at 11:30AM, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual event to discuss the new tax...

Orlando, FL - Hurricanes form fast and our communities have to respond even quicker during the ongoing storm season. On Thursday July 8th at 12:00PM, Representative Anna V. Eskamani will host a virtual event to share and discuss the best practices for safety and...

Pride, by definition, is a way to express emotions, identity and during this month, it is about self-respect and opening up on one’s sexuality. Pride Month also highlights the influences made upon society and politics by the LGBTQIA+ communities and understands the challenges they face to this date.

Dear Friend,  Whether you call it Emancipation Day, Freedom Day or the country's second Independence Day, Juneteenth is one of the most important anniversaries in our nation's history. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger, who had fought for the Union, led a...

Solomon-Hollett is an Orlando Local and Eskamani’s Former Field Manager Orlando, FL— Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is proud to announce her Campaign Manager for the 2022 Election Cycle.  Shalla Solomon-Hollett is an Orlando local born in Winter Park. She is a...

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 slate of Summer 2021 Legislative Interns! “This summer semester we welcome a brilliant team of...

A sweet treat is exactly what you need to jumpstart your hot Florida days. Celebrate National Bubble Tea Day with the sweetest small businesses in town. Be sure to stop by one of these refreshing locations in HD47!  Krave Tea Moge Tee  ROYALTEA Chewy Boba Gong Cha...

Dear Friend,  Just one week left in Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session! Like every Monday, we’re sending you an email review of what we’ve been up to in Tallahassee. (Click here for last week’s review).  Also, if you’re not doing so already, please consider keeping up...

Need to satisfy your green thumb? Here in House District 47, we are celebrating Earth Day with some local favorites. Be sure to check out these budding businesses including new plant shops and local florists so you can bring a little piece of Mother Nature home with...