LAST WEEK IN THE CAPITOL
Friends,

Last week I experienced the highs and lows of life all at once. On Saturday we celebrated the life of our family friend Mr. Louis Hoze in Orlando. On Sunday, I was stuck in a hotel room, super sick and unable to keep anything down. 

Monday night after a visit to a clinic (thanks Craig Donaldson!) I flew sick to Tallahassee and woke up a few hours later for a jam packed day with the start of the state of Black Florida Week and an extended legislative session.

Wednesday morning I awoke to news that one of my favorite brothers, Eddie McArthur Jr. passed away. My heart aches and my body wasn't responding well after losing 8 more pounds in 48 hours. Dr. Cary Pigman (thank you!) patched me up in time for a great floor debate on Open Carry and then things began to change.

Visits from my wife, the Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tampa Bay FAMU Alumni, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Connect Florida classmates and many more lifted my spirits as I ran around Tallahassee ensuring we'd have a successful event. Our policy workshops on education, the town hall on Black Lives Matter, the first African American Mayors Conference, the Kershaw-Cherry Luncheon with Joy Ann Reid, the 23rd Annual Scholarship Gala and Mayor's brunch all went off successfully.

Thank you all for your help in making this week a success despite a personally challenging time for me. It's been an honor to serve as your chairman.

Ed
OPEN CARRY
A dangerous bill for Florida passed though the House last week. Despite our best efforts, the Open Carry Bill passed on a party line vote of 80-38. It's now up to the Florida Senate to block the bill. You can watch the debate here. I speak at the 5:20 mark. 

Scenes from the Capitol and State of Black Florida Week

23rd Annual Conference of Black State Legislators Scholarship Gala.

Gamma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Inaugural African American Mayors' Conference with  Mayor Terrill Hill (Palatka), Attorney Karen Skyers, Mayor Colin Walkes (Pahokee), Mayor Oliver Gilbert (Miami Gardens)

Rep. Barbara Watson and Rep. Cynthia Stafford

Call to Action at the Kershaw - Cherry Luncheon

National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Alumni, Tampa Bay Chapter

Tampa Chapter of the Links, Inc.
Members of the Florida Legislative Black Caucus with Joy Ann Reid.

Emerging Leaders Summit

  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and The Links, Inc. - Day at the Capitol
Yvette Dubose, Rep. Mia Jones, Monica Narain


It was an honor to keynote the Hillsborough Community College Collegiate 100 induction ceremony. Proud to meet so many future leaders at the start of their careers!

Enjoyed speaking to Connect Florida about leadership and the value of service.

Presenting the Witness Protection Bill in Committee.
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BLACK, BROWN, COLLEGE BOUND SUMMIT
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2016 SPONSORED BILLS
HB 475 : Public Records/Identity of a Witness to a Felony
HJR 729 : Automatic Restoration of Certain Felons' Rights to Vote and Hold Office
HB 15 : STEM Teach Loan Forgiveness Program
HB 1403 : Pledge of Allegiance
HB 311 :  Research and Development Tax Credit
HB 7069 : OGSR/Regional Autism Centers
HB 533: Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys
HB 9009: Supreme Court Chief Justice Leander Shaw
HB 721: Small Business Saturday Tax Holiday
2016 CO-SPONSORED BILLS
HB 45 : Prohibited Discrimination
CS/HB 141 : National Statuary Hall
HB 93 : Law Enforcement Officer Body Camera
HB 917 : Death Benefits Under Florida Retirement System
CS/HB 129 : Juvenile Justice
HB 1423 : After-school Programs
CS/HB 139 : Dental Care

2016 RESOLUTIONS


COMMITTEES AND SUBCOMMITTEES

Economic Affairs Committee

Government Operations Subcommittee

(Democratic Ranking Member)
Economic Development & Tourism Subcommittee
 Health Quality Subcommittee
Transportation & Ports Subcommittee

Legislative Assistant

Dewayne Mallory 

District Secretary

Patricia Givens 
DISTRICT OFFICE
 TALLAHASSEE OFFICE

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