Florida kicks off session under Renner and Passidomo

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FLV) – Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, kicked off the 2023 Regular Session Tuesday, outlining their bold agendas.

In their opening speeches, Passidomo and Renner both touched on expanding school choice, proposals to crackdown on illegal immigration, attainable housing legislation, permitless carry legislation, and more.

“We have a common vision and share many of the same priorities for our great state. We are working in lock step to deliver meaningful legislation for the benefit of all Floridians,” Passidomo said.

Passidomo and Renner commended Gov. Ron DeSantis, calling him “America’s Governor.”

“He has defended our conservative values, challenged the individuals and institutions who pose threats to others, and introduced innovative solutions to better our state. It is often said that states are laboratories for democracy. Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida is more than a laboratory, we are the model,” Passidomo continued.

Renner noted that lawmakers already passed legislation on the border crisis, statewide prosecution legislation, student athlete legislation, and legislation to remake Disney’s Reedy Creek board.

“Unlike Washington D.C, in Florida we don’t wait around to solve problems; we fix them,” Renner said.

With Republicans holding supermajorities in both chambers, lawmakers will look to pass the largest expansion of school choice in the nation.

“We must embrace educational freedom and customized learning. House Bill 1 gives every parent and student customized tools to learn and thrive. It also ensures that students with unique abilities have the resources they need to live more independent lives when they reach adulthood,” Renner said.

There is also legislation that would make sweeping changes to limit the influence of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs at public universities.

“Those terms have become Orwellian–where diversity means conformity of thought and equity means picking winners and losers. Instead, we will promote a return to the highest ideals of higher education: an environment that embraces real diversity of thought, putting all ideas on the table and subject to critical thinking,” Passidomo explained.

Renner noted that the state must “defend the right to life” but did not elaborate on any proposed abortion legislation.

“Every one of us were children once.  Our ability to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness-began with life,” he said. “We must defend the right to life for thousands of boys and girls who deserve to experience life, find love, and enrich the lives of others.”

Both leaders expressed support for comprehensive legislation to create more attainable housing options for Floridians.

“Senator Calatayud’s Live Local Act is geared to help Floridians at every income level and stage of life find an affordable, convenient place to live, work and raise their families. We have heard input from many Senators and from many stakeholders, and we’ve incorporated your feedback in crafting this bill,” Passidomo continued.

Renner said he wants to redouble the commitment to public safety and reaffirm respect for law enforcement and first responders.

“We will equip our sheriffs with advanced technology to take down the criminal organizations and career criminals responsible for the vast majority of gun crimes. And we will impose stiffer penalties on those who commit them,” Renner said.

Renner previously announced legislation to eliminate environmental, social, and governance factors in state investments and prohibit banks from denying services based on someone’s political or religious beliefs.

“The source of political legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed, from “We the People” making the big decisions through those we elect; but the ESG movement completely rejects that most basic democratic principle. The financial elite who are charged with investing on our behalf are using our investments for their own ideological agenda and without our consent,” Renner said.

Both lawmakers said they plan to take up legislation to expand access to Florida’s Wildlife Corridor. 

“It is critical that we protect Florida’s natural landscape, and the resources and wildlife that live within it,” Passidomo said.

They also plan to make historic investments in the state’s infrastructure to prepare for future storms.

“These are just some of the issues you have championed, and we will address this session. As a result of your efforts, we will transform Florida for years to come and improve the lives of our constituents,” Renner said.

“Senators, the eyes of the nation are on Florida this year. Let’s show America how it’s done,” Passidomo said.

Passidomo quoted Winston Churchill in her closing remarks.

“These are not dark days – These are great days — the greatest days our country has ever lived; and we must all thank God that we have been allowed, each of us according to our stations, to play a part in making these days memorable in the history of our race.”