Republicans in Florida Legislature hold all the political cards; deprive the public in urgent need

[seafan]

After fifteen years of brutal assault and battery by hard right rule over our government, I honestly do not know whether Florida and the way of life for its people and environment will survive for much longer.


Mary Ellen Klas writes in today's St. Petersburg Times:

TALLAHASSEE — In the next 30 days, Florida lawmakers are poised to make it easier for insurance companies to raise rates, make it more difficult for women to receive an abortion and hand over control of prisons to private companies.

These are just a few of the proposals the Republican-led Legislature is pushing in the final weeks of its 60-day session. Others include radically changing the way the state handles Medicaid, state pensions, courts, growth and the environment.

The proposals are detailed, sweeping and encompass many conservative issues that legislators have resisted enacting in the past. And they are moving forward for one reason: They have the votes.

With a veto-proof majority, a hard-right conservative governor, and a determination to seize the moment in a non­election year, legislative leaders have packed the agenda — and Democrats are powerless to stop them.

.....

"They're exercising that muscle now because they can — not because they're right, not because that's what people want, but because they can,'' said Rep. Jim Waldman, D-Coconut Creek.

We are in uncharted territory. Very, very dark days are ahead.

[im1013]

1. It makes me very sad.

Lived my entire life in Florida & wish(ed) I was still there.


:(

[seafan]

3. It is nothing short of hard right Republican gang rape of Florida.

The sense of widespread despair is devastating.

[iwishiwas]

2. They did in WI too but things are turning on them! FIGHT BACK!

[DJ13]

4. With a veto-proof majority.....

Ever notice how a majority works for Republicans?

Our party needs such discipline.

[aquart]

5. Then why did you give them the majority?

[DJ13]

6. Wasnt me, Im in California

I was talking about party discipline, and even though not all Republicans are whack jobs their leadership (in both state and federal bodies) still manage to corral the various factions into a unified voting block.

Its too bad our party cant do the same in order to counter the continuation of far right conservatism.

[sudopod]

7. Blame the victim

asking for it
etc
etc

[AndyTiedye]

10. This is FLORIDA We're Talking About. The Repiggies Probably Stole the Election

[opihimoimoi]

8. Political BULLIES are the worrst....86 the dude....rigid and arrogant, he needs the door.

[leftstreet]

9. K&R