Florida Politics by Peter Schorsch
September 18, 2019
The Last 24
Good Wednesday evening.
The proponents of a bill to grant LGBT+ workplace protections have not succeeded thus far, but — by gosh — they are trying again. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is once again pushing the Florida Competitive Workforce Act. It would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in restaurants and hotels, housing and employment practices. It would add protection to already existing anti-discrimination laws.
In addition to restaurants and hotels, the bill applies to any place that sells food for consumption on-premises, as well as gas stations, entertainment establishments, movie theaters, concert halls, sports arenas or stadiums. Said state Rep. Jennifer Webb, a gay Democrat, at a Wednesday news conference: “As more people get to know their LGBT neighbors they come to understand that people just want to be able to earn a living, provide for our families and go about our daily lives without the fear of discrimination.”
Now, here’s your nightly rundown.
Is it really budget time again? The House Transportation and Tourism Subcommittee took a preliminary look at proposed budgets from the Department of Economic Opportunity, the Department of State, and others.
Building better, stronger: Hurricane Michael flattened homes built on older code. What can lawmakers do now?
Waterworks: The House Agriculture and Natural Resources subcommittee contemplated the ongoing project of water-quality improvement, including Everglades and springs restoration.
Climate challenges: Democratic state Sen. José Javier Rodríguez and Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani rolled out their latest renewable energy bills.
Playing ball: The House PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee heard from the Florida High School Athletics Association and the Florida School Boards Association about health concerns for student-athletes.