Special session begins to support Israel, disaster relief and Iran sanctions
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers gaveled into a special session Monday to address issues including more sanctions on Iran, support for Israel, security boosting for Jewish institutions, school vouchers and hurricane relief.
Both chambers honored the Jewish people in their opening prayers. Rabbi Mendel Danow of Chabad of Pensacola and Holocaust survivor David Schaecter gave a prayer in their respective chambers.
“I appreciate you sharing your story with us, and know if others falter, we never will,” House Speaker Paul Renner said after Schaecter’s prayer.
The moment led to a standing ovation by House lawmakers.
Included in her remarks about the various topics lawmakers would address this week, Senate President Kathleen Passidomo praised Gov. Ron DeSantis for “steadfast” support to Israel during the senate chamber’s meeting.
“His continuous leadership makes it clear that Florida will not tolerate anti-Semitism or hatred of any kind,” Passidomo said.
Lawmakers set for special session on Iran sanctions, Israel, disaster relief, more
Sen. Bryan Avila, R-Hialeah Gardens, is sponsoring the bill to implement more sanctions against Iran in the Senate while Rep. John Snyder, R-Stuart, is sponsoring an identical bill the House.
Lawmakers will take up a resolution that expresses support for the State of Israel.
Sen. Lori Berman, D-Boynton Beach, sponsored the resolution in the Senate and Rep. Katherine Waldron, D-Wellington, is sponsoring a similar resolution in the House.
The legislature will also consider appropriating $35 million for security efforts for Jewish temples, day schools and other nonprofits at risk for hate crimes.
Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Miami, is carrying the bill in the Senate and Rep. Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, is sponsoring an identical bill in the House.
In an effort to help people recover from Hurricane Idalia, the special session will include a disaster relief package. Sen. Corey Simon, R-Tallahassee, is carrying the bill in the Senate. A similar bill was filed in the House by Jason Shoaf, R-Port St. Joe.
The package will also include more funding for applications to the My Safe Florida Home Program, which helps Floridians harden their homes.
Another bill will amend the Family Empowerment Scholarship Program. It will increase the number of students with unique abilities to receive the scholarships.
Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, is carrying the legislation in the Senate. Reps. Josie Tomkow, R-Polk City, and Randy Fine, R-Melbourne Beach, are co-sponsoring an identical bill in the House.
It follows lawmakers approving HB 1, which expanded eligibility for school choice scholarships to all Florida students.
House Democrats Monday attempted to expand the special session call to address additional housing and Medicaid issues. Some of their proposals included expanding Medicaid.
Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, filed bills that require the reporting of hate crimes in certain instances and creates a homeowner’s insurance payment assistance program. Democrats said another piece of legislation would prevent evictions during and after hurricanes.
“We should be focused on helping Floridians, not giving Ron DeSantis a talking point for his presidential campaign,” House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa, said.
