Message #6052

[Howey]

Bonus from the We Hate Poor People File!

DRUG TESTS FOR WELFARE RECIPIENTS (Passed)
 
Requires drug screening for adult welfare recipients, who will lose benefits for a year if they test positive. (HB 353)

UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION (Passed)
 
Pays for a tax cut for businesses by cutting state benefits for unemployed Floridians. Instead of making the maximum $275 weekly benefit available for 26 weeks, the state would use a sliding scale based on the unemployment rate. Benefits would be available for no more than 23 weeks and no less than 12 weeks. (HB 7005)
 

The following must be approved by the people by amendment the next election cycle. That is, those who are still eligible to vote (Republicans, der...)
 
COURT REVAMP (Passed) Lets Senate confirm new justices and makes it easier for the Legislature to void court rules. Also gives House access to now-confidential investigations of judicial misconduct in advance of impeachment proceedings. (HJR 7111) Translated: Allows the Governor to do what he wants.
 
FUNDING FOR RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS (Passed)
 
Does away with provision prohibiting the use of public money for religious institutions and adds language prohibiting the government from denying funding based on religion. (SJR 1218/HJR 1471) Here's comes the Koch Brothers Parochial School of Greed and Hatred of Anything Gay
 
INSURANCE MANDATES (Passed)
 
Prohibits government from compelling someone to buy health insurance. (SJR 2/HJR1) Not to be confused with State mandates to view an ultrasound before an abortion, getting parental notification of an abortion, wearing baggy pants in school, and so on...