The Anna for Florida Blog

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...

Dear Friend,  There are just two weeks to go in Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session! And 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...

This year, Earth Day will fall on Thursday, April 22nd. Orlando, FL --In recognition of Earth Day 2021, Representative Anna V. Eskamani is joining forces with State Attorney Monique Worrell and O-Town Compost to host a community clean-up this Saturday in Orlando....

Dear Friend,  We’re more than halfway through Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session! And 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...

Dear Friend,  We’re more than halfway through Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session! And 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...

Dear Friend,  Every Monday morning we’ll be sharing a review of what we’ve been up to during Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session. (Click here for last week’s review).  Also, if you’re not doing so already, please consider keeping up to date with us through our social...

Representatives Will Be Joined By Coalition Partners and Directly Impacted People In Need of Affordable Housing Tallahassee, FL-- State lawmakers and coalition organizations are coming together to oppose HB 5401, a legislative proposal to sweep affordable housing...

Dear Friend,  Every Monday morning we’ll be sharing a review of what we’ve been up to during Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session. (Click here for last week’s review).  Also, if you’re not doing so already, please consider keeping up to date with us through our social...

Dear Friend,  As the first Iranian-American elected to any public office in Florida, it is my honor to wish you and yours Nowruz Mobarak, or Happy New Year! Today marks the start of Spring and a new year for millions of people across dozens of countries. Last Monday...

Dear Friend,  Every Monday morning we’ll be sending you an email review of what we’ve been up to during Florida’s 2021 Legislative Session. Click here for last week’s review. Also, if you’re not doing so already, please consider keeping up to date with us through our...

Dear Friend, We have a lot to share with you about both COVID-19 and Florida’s Legislative Session. Please scroll down to learn more, and click here for an online version of this email.  Also, if you’re not doing so already, please consider keeping up to date with us...

Eskamani is one of many state legislators around the country working to pass bills meant to stop states from using corporate tax giveaways to steal businesses away from each other Tallahassee, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani has filed legislation that would help...

Dear Friend, Happy Presidents’ Day. I am back in Tallahassee for what will be our last week of Committee Meetings before we start the 2021 Legislative Session on March 2nd.  We have a lot to cover in this email update, including an update of COVID19 news and a review...

Whether you are near or far, there is so much to love about House District 47. This Valentine’s Day safely stop by to show some love to our small businesses and local gems!    Winter Park History Museum This museum is a family-friendly look into the history of...

HB 6069 would repeal a state law that lets economic development agencies and politically plugged-in businesses negotiate public incentive packages behind closed doors  Orlando, Fla. – Declaring that Florida taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent,...

Now more than ever, it’s important to support and even the playing field for Florida’s Renters Tallahassee, FL -- Representative Anna V. Eskamani (D-47) and Senator Victor Torres (D-15) have both refiled HB6021/SB1020 and HB6025/SB1090 for the 2021 Legislative...

The term cy pres comes from the French, “cy pres comme possible,” meaning “as near as possible,” Orlando, FL - Representative Anna V. Eskamani has filed critical legislation to improve Floridians access to civil legal aid, and it won’t cost the State of Florida a...

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 filed critical legislation to...

Small businesses are a necessity to our communities and we are proud to represent small businesses within District 47! We will continue to support our small businesses, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In honor of National Pie Day, be sure to stop by...

We aren’t truly free unless we can make our own decisions and have the freedom to define our own path.  Orlando, FL-- Today marks the 48th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Below is Representative...

Virtual Event Hosted by Rep. Anna V. Eskamani Will Feature a Diversity of Voices and Issues Orlando, FL-- On January 20th a new President and Vice President of the United States will be sworn in, and we want to celebrate this incredible moment with the people of...

Virtual Event Hosted by Rep. Anna V. Eskamani Will Feature Adam Markowitz, Vice President of Howard L Markowitz PA Orlando, FL-- Last week the US Small Business Administration and Treasury announced the application window for Round 2 of the Paycheck Protection Program...

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. While we remain committed to dismantling these systems together, there are several organizations who devote themselves to this work year round and are leading the push to #EndTrafficking. See a few of...