1000 Friends of Florida
Media Release
March 11, 2020
We extend our thanks to every one of you who has contacted key legislators this session. It is making a difference!
As we enter what was supposed to be the final week of the session (it is likely it will last a few days longer than the announced March 13 end) a number of issues still hang in the balance. But we want to provide you with a summary of some positive news and, at the end of this message, share how you can support positive legislation that needs a final push.
First the good news:
Affordable Housing — Perhaps the biggest budget news so far is that the House and Senate have agreed to allocate $370 million for the Sadowski Trust Funds, just slightly short of the $387 million proposed by Governor DeSantis and the Senate in their initial budgets but far greater than the House’s initial allocation of $144 million. Since 2002, more than $2 billion of money allocated for the Trust Funds has been “swept” and not used for the intended purpose of affordable housing. The Sadowski Coalition, led by Florida Housing Coalition President Jaimie Ross, worked to secure full funding. With leadership by Jaimie, who formerly was 1000 Friends’ Affordable Housing Director, 1000 Friends founded the coalition and continues to serve as a member. Jaimie thanked 1000 Friends and others for calling on their supporters to make calls. To find out more, see this March 8 article by Florida Politics.
Florida Forever — Over the weekend, the House and Senate agreed to allocate $100 million through land conservation for Florida Forever, a tremendous increase over last year’s paltry $33 million and the $20 million the House had originally allocated for this year. In a Sunday, March 8 article, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune noted that 1000 Friends was one of the groups calling on supporters to contact their legislators. As a sign that your outreach made a difference, when Rep. Holly Raschein, R-Key Largo announced the deal, she said, “So the emails can stop.”
Water Quality Improvements and Everglades Projects — The House and Senate also agreed to allocate $650 million for projects to improve water quality and protect the Everglades, even more than the $625 million in Governor DeSantis’ budget and the second installment in his four-year commitment to spend $2.5 billion to address blue-green algae and red tide, restore the Everglades, and protect freshwater springs.
Now, here’s how you can help — Four bills supported by 1000 Friends are on the brink of passing, with calls needed to your State Senator and/or State House Representative. As always, calls are best but any outreach is appreciated!
Uniform Partition of Heirs – SB 580/HB 349 would make it easier for heirs to keep family lands in conservation before the property is divided or sold, thus lessening their vulnerability to development by real estate speculators. SB 580 has passed the Senate and HB 349 is awaiting a final vote from the House at any time now. Contact your State House Representative to support HB 349.
Public Financing of Construction Projects – SB 178 and HB 579 would require state-financed construction of certain structures in coastal areas to first conduct a sea level impact projection study. SB 178 has passed the Senate and HB 579 is awaiting a final vote from the House. Call your State House Representative to support HB 579.
Statewide Office of Resiliency — SB 7016/HB 1073 would create this office within the Executive Office of the Governor and also create a Sea Level Rise Task Force. SB 7016 has passed the Senate. Call your State House Representative to support passage of SB 7106/HB 1073.
Aquatic Preserves — SB 1042 and HB 1061 would create the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve designating the coastal areas of Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties so that “its biological and aesthetic values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations.” Please contact your State Senator to support SB 1042 and State House Representative to support HB 1061.