Solving our Affordability and Insurance Crisis
The property insurance crisis is the primary reason so many people in Florida are struggling to afford a home. From renters to retirees to homeowners, the burden of property insurance continues to make housing costs in Florida unaffordable for many. A state catastrophic fund that removes natural disaster perils from the private market would dramatically reduce property and car insurance rates, restoring affordability and price stability for millions of Floridians. Allowing condominium associations and owners access to a no-interest state-backed loan program would address the crushing financial burden of generational condominium repairs.
Saving Our Schools
Public schools have been inadequately funded in the state of Florida for decades. We need to dramatically increase investment in Florida’s public schools to provide more public schools in more neighborhoods, with more teachers who are paid more. The state voucher program likewise is built on an economic model that is likely to collapse. Private schools that accept vouchers for students should be required to cap the rate of tuition inflation for those students, should be required to provide the same specialized services public schools provide, and the voucher program should be means-tested to ensure funding is provided for families with demonstrated economic need.
Campaign Finance and Ethics Reform
Florida has some of the weakest ethics and campaign finance rules of any state in the country. Incumbent politicians solicit unlimited money from corporations in clear relationship to official acts. Florida should lead the nation in campaign finance reform and a sweeping ethics package committed to transparency and to protecting Florida taxpayers from legalized graft in Tallahassee.
Strengthening Florida’s Economy
Florida has one of the largest economies in the world, but it has been hindered by short-term political thinking. Florida should become a leading technology economy and invest in a renewed agriculture economy with a vision for the next century. We should continue to grow our tourist economy and should retain Florida’s top talent while attracting the world’s brightest minds and creators
Restoring Reproductive Freedom
Reproductive healthcare decisions should be made between women and their doctors, not politicians. Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood provided a responsible, balanced framework for protecting these decisions. Absent federal legislation restoring these protections, Florida should codify the Roe/Casey framework.
Investing in Climate Resiliency, Clean Water, and the Ocean Economy
Florida is home to remarkable ecosystems, waterways, and coastlines. The state’s management of these resources has been insufficient. Florida should accept the science of climate change, protect our beaches and state parks, and invest in resiliency throughout the state. Florida should adopt a sustainability agenda that conserves our natural resources and grows an economy reliant on tourism, fisheries, hospitality, and outdoor living.
Restoring Services for Our Veterans
Florida is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the United States. We are fortunate to have men and women from all generations who have honorably served across all service branches. In the face of federal cuts and drawback of services, Florida should lead the nation in filling the gap of critical services for those who have served our nation in uniform.
Giving Florida’s Families Access to Florida’s Universities
Too many Florida families are locked out of our state’s flagship universities. Florida is fortunate to be home to some of our nation’s leading colleges and universities, but it only benefits Florida families if our students can gain admission. Qualified Florida students should have preferred application status for Florida’s universities.
Reducing Gun Violence
Florida suffers needlessly from gun violence. Responsible gun owners are not the problem, but lax gun laws are. Its time politicians in Tallahassee do more, do something. Florida should ban the sale of assault weapons, require universal and comprehensive background checks, explore licensing, and preserve and expand the red flag laws enacted following the tragedy at Parkland.
Clean Energy
Florida leaders should unleash clean and renewable energies across the Sunshine State, requiring greater integration of clean energy technologies into our public utilities. Environmentally sound energy technologies provide for greater stewardship of our environment, protect our tourist and environmental economy, and can drive down utility costs for all Florida consumers.
Home Rule and Direct Democracy
Across Florida, voters continue to use their vote to choose the direction of their state and their community. But Tallahassee politicians preempt the will of the voters based on selfish ideological whims. Direct democracy in Florida should be easier, not harder. Florida should respect home rule, and support the implementation of successful voter initiatives in communities across the state. Florida should make constitutional amendments easier for voters to place on the ballot, and if an amendment gets more than 50% of the vote, the Governor should fight to enact it on behalf of the people.
Fighting Crime, not Communities
Whether you’re a native born Floridian, an immigrant to our state, or a Tallahassee politician, if you break the law in Florida you’ll be held accountable. But Florida can also be a state that corrects disparities in criminal justice for communities of color and immigrant communities, promoting local control of community policing. It’s time Florida fights crime, not communities.
Delivering affordable healthcare to Floridians
Medicaid is a critical program for Florida. It supports childbirth care for women and infants, long-term care for seniors, care for those with special needs and unique abilities, and is a critical funding source for hospitals across the state. In the face of cuts from Washington and Tallahassee, Florida should commit to expanding Medicaid and ensuring healthcare for all Floridians.
Treating Everyone with Kindness, Dignity and Respect
Culture wars divide and demonize. Florida should reject the politics of division and hate, and instead create a home where everyone is valued, respected, and welcomed. We should become a place where everyone is given dignity and equity, regardless of race, creed, or color, and regardless of who you love or the God you worship. Florida should embrace our immigrant community and celebrate their contributions to our state’s culture and economy. It’s time to create a Florida for all people.