The Anna for Florida Blog

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...

Team Anna Welcomes a Cohort of Young Leaders to Serve on Legislative Team Orlando, FL -- Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Spring 2021 Legislative Interns! “This spring semester we welcomed a fantastic team of 16 interns...

Cartagena Served as a Super Volunteer During Representative Eskamani’s 2020 Campaign Orlando, FL-- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to welcome Sergio Cartagena to serve as her Intern Coordinator for State House District 47! Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and...

Dear Friend, As I sit and type this message, I am still processing the images from Washington DC, in shock at what was a domestic terror attack on the U.S. Capitol. President Trump incited this violence and many Republican members of Congress — through their attempts...

COVID19 Vaccine Info Session Hosted by Rep. Eskamani Featuring Director Moskowitz A Virtual Event to Help Floridians Learn More About the COVID19 Vaccine Orlando, FL-- Vaccines for COVID19 are being distributed around the world, nation, and state. Join Representative...

Dear Friend, I am humbled beyond words to be one of six finalists nominated by Orlando Sentinel readers for Central Floridian of the Year. The nominations include some phenomenal people and our health care workers. I encourage you to read more about them all at this...

Virtual Event Hosted by Rep. Anna V. Eskamani Focuses on Bankruptcy Process for Consumers and Small Businesses Orlando, FL-- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is teaming up with Orlando’s Branson Law to host a virtual event focused on the basics of bankruptcy. The event...

Drews was Eskamani’s 2020 Campaign Manager and 2018 Field Organizer Orlando, FL-- Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to welcome Cheyenne Drews to serve as the Legislative Aide for State House District 47. Born and raised in Volusia County, Drews is no stranger...

Our Top Moments of 2020: A Year In Review 🔨 Our top moments are just that: ours. We are so honored to have spent this year with you! As we wrap up December -- and a decade -- we want to reflect on the special moments we shared together. In no particular order, here...

Dear Friend, A lot has happened in the last 48 hours and I wanted to provide you with a quick COVID19 update as we approach the New Year. Scroll down to see some of the latest news for Central Florida, and feel free to let me know if you have any questions. Yours in...

Dear Friends, Happy Holidays! I wanted to make sure I shared with you some resources to offer more insight into small business relief w/in the newest Congressional Relief Package just signed by the President last night. PDF from US House highlighting all parts of the...

Dear Friend,  This has been a very challenging year, and our hearts are heavy knowing the great loss and stress experienced by so many of our fellow Floridians.  We are humbled to be by your side every step of the way, and hope that wherever you are, holiday cheer...

Dear Friend,  I am excited to share with you our recently announced Legislative Committee Assignments!  I am proud to say that our new Speaker of the House has re-assigned me to the Ways & Means Committee. This powerful and important committee is where we’ll...

Dear Friend,  I wanted to make sure you were invited to a collection of virtual events we have coming up tonight, and later this week. Scroll down to see more and to RSVP Also, please remember that tonight at 5:00PM is the deadline to apply for Orange County's...

Dear Friend, This has been an unprecedented year, and as we continue to navigate COVID19 together I hope you are finding time to safely celebrate the holiday season. With that said -- as the first candle is lit, tonight we wish all who celebrate a Happy Hanukkah...

Dear Friend, Today is Giving Tuesday, a day that encourages people to do good and give without expectation. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity....

Dear Friend, We wanted to take a moment to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and to remind you that our Legislative Office will be closed tomorrow and on Friday. We’ll be back open on Monday, November 30th, at 9:00am but will be continuing to check email and keep our...

Dear Friend,  Happy Veterans Day! Today we honor the contributions of our military service members, and recommit ourselves to ensuring the health and well-being of our veterans. Yesterday I spent my day with the Florida National Guard at Camp Blanding in Starke,...

Representative Anna V. Eskamani Hosts Collaborative Forum Focused on the Future of the Democratic Party Orlando, FL -- We’re not going to sugarcoat it; Florida did not deliver the presidency to Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Instead the state went to President Trump and...

Trying to make a donation to Team Anna? We appreciate your love and support, but we're officially in a black out period when it comes to fundraising! So instead of your treasure, give us your time! Volunteer at mobilize.us/annaforflorida Thank you for your support!...

Dear Friend,  We are now just five days away from one of the most consequential elections of our lifetime, and we need all hands on deck to help get out the vote.   Click here to see a list of upcoming campaign events, including literature drops we have scheduled for...

Dear Friend, I am a huge Star Wars fan, which is why I am beyond thrilled to be joining Mark Hamill for a  Get Out the Vote Florida Phone Bank!  The force is strong with us and after Hamill gave us a tweet of approval we’re now joining forces to take on the Dark...

Friend-- Today marks the start of in-person early voting in 51 counties in Florida! If you want to learn where you can cast your ballot, check out this online tool from Progress Florida that helps locate the closest or most convenient early voting location. The early...

Friend-- On Tuesday morning, many of you texted me about new yard signs popping up in a few places around our district. The signs claim that “Anna’s Gotta Go” and promote a website filled with disgusting transphobic slurs, racist dog whistles and ugly personal attacks...

Dear Friend, As someone who was born and raised right here in Orlando, I have lots of memories of the local newspaper. My parents couldn’t afford a subscription to the Orlando Sentinel, but I still remember reading the comic pages while waiting at the mechanic with my...

Team Anna Welcomes a Cohort of Young Leaders to Serve On Her 2020 Re-Election Campaign Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Fall 2020 Campaign Interns! Team Anna also brought back former intern Shalla...

"We’re Ready” Highlights the Representative’s Leadership During the COVID19 Pandemic Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani released her new 2020 campaign re-election video dubbed We’re Ready. The video elevates Eskamani’s leadership during the COVID-19...

Friends and Neighbors, This year has been unlike any other, but one constant that remains clear is the heavy heart we all hold on September 11th.  Nineteen years ago we promised to never forget, and I still grieve for every life lost on that terrible morning, and for...

Friend, As the daughter of working-class immigrants, words cannot even begin to 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...

Before COVID19 hit Florida, Representative Eskamani and her team were wrapping up the 2020 Legislative Session. In no particular order, here's a quick review of some top moments from the 2020 Legislative Session. Protecting Affordable Housing In 1992, the Sadowski...

Small Businesses employ nearly half of the state’s private sector workforce and we are proud to support them in the Florida Legislature and during the #COVID19 pandemic. Here’s a breakdown of a few small businesses who focus on health & well-being. With the...

Dear Friend, Today is Women’s Equality Day, the anniversary of the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote on the basis of sex.  It’s also the 100th...

Last week Representative Anna V. Eskamani partnered with The Florida Bar Foundation to host a Virtual Workshop focused on evictions in Florida and the state of the current moratorium which is set to expire on September 1st. Rep. Eskamani was joined by: Sean Rowley,...

Virtual Event to Focus on Building a State that Supports Women & Girls Orlando, FL-- This month Americans around the country are celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right...

Dear Friend, The Republican primary is over. We know who our opponent is.  We also know that Tallahassee Republicans – and the big corporations that bankroll them – could spend millions trying to take us out. That’s how desperate they are to crush our work holding...

Dear Friend, It’s Election Day!  Critical races across the state will be decided today, including right here in Orange County.  Important offices that directly touch our everyday lives – from the sheriff and state attorney to the school board and county commission –...

This was originally published August 2, 2020 in the Orlando Sentinel. Our country and state are at a turning point. Nationwide demonstrations for Black lives and police reform, and over 154,000 coronavirus deaths and tens of millions unemployed — with communities of...

OR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 28, 2020 Representative Anna V. Eskamani To Host Two Virtual Community Events Tonight One Focused on Florida Politics, the Other Focused on Reopening Schools with OCPS Board Member Karen Castor Dentel Orlando, FL — Representative Eskamani of...

Dear Friend, Every Friday at 5:00pm we host a Virtual Office Hour on Facebook and Instagram Live to answer COVID19 questions from Floridians. In most cases, the questions are focused on our state’s broken unemployment system. But this time someone tried trolling me...

July 16, 2020 Dear Florida’s Congressional Delegation, I write to you with a sense of urgency requesting that you extend the $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program for Americans across this country. Set to expire at the end of this month, FPUC...

Eskamani Is Honored by Three Institutions for Her Dedication to Public Service Orlando, FL-- Representative Anna V. Eskamani has been recently recognized by three institutions for her dedication to public service and positive impact in her community. This includes the...

Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani wrote a letter to all twelve Florida State Universities asking that efforts be made to protect international students. You can read her letter below. July 14, 2020 Dear State University Presidents, I write to you during this...

Representative Anna V. Eskamani submitted the following letter to Orange County School Board Members and our Superintendent. July 13, 2020 Dear Orange County School Board Members & Superintendent: In advance of tomorrow's School Board Meeting to discuss the...

This week the University of Central Florida (UCF) announced Representative Anna V. Eskamani as their 2020 Distinguished Alumnus, the highest annual honor UCF Alumni bestows upon a graduate! Here’s what Anna had to say: “My Dad went to UCF in 1994 & so did both my...

Representative Anna V. Eskamani joined fellow lawmakers in sending a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis asking that a statewide mask-mandate be put into place. Below is a copy of the letter, which you can also find linked here.  July 3, 2020 The Honorable Ron DeSantis...

Team Anna Welcomes a Cohort of Young Leaders to Serve On Her 2020 Re-Election Campaign Orlando, FL — Today Representative Anna V. Eskamani is excited to announce her team’s slate of Summer 2020 Campaign Interns! “This summer semester we welcomed a fantastic team of 9...

On June 6, 2020 a tornado impacted the Orlando Ferncreek community. The National Weather Service Melbourne Damage Survey confirmed that a waterspout/tornado moved north along a 5.1 mile path from Lake Conway to Thornton Park. The peak intensity was estimated at...

Dear Friend, Four years ago today 49 beautiful lives were cut short at Pulse nightclub in Orlando. They were dancing, celebrating Pride, and should have been safe.  It’s not enough to condemn hate against LGBTQ+ people, Latinx people,or black people-- we must honor...

Rubi is Team Anna intern and a law student at Barry University School of Law. During her time in law school, Rubi has devoted her work to the Immigration Clinic, and has served as a student representative for a year, whose clients include asylum seekers. In addition...