News List

WFSUFL Dems Look To Block State Gun LegislationBy Nick EvansRepublicans in the Florida Legislature are leading the charge to expand gun rights in public places.  Democrats are doing their best to slow the progress.There are three major guns provisions moving through the legislature: guns on campus, open carry, and greater stand your ground protections.  At a press conference… Read more »

MIAMI NEW TIMESBill That Would Allow Guns on Florida College Campuses Dies in CommitteeBy Kyle MunzenriederFlorida's Republican-lead legislature has a reputation for passing laws favorable to the gun lobby, but some measures go too far even for them. A bill that would have allowed people to carry guns onto college campuses has died in committee just nine days into the… Read more »

SUN SENTINELTwo gun bills shot down in Florida LegislatureBy Dan SweeneyTALLAHASSEE - The legislature loaded up on gun rights bills when the session started, but already two appear to have been shot down.Bills were offered that would allow the open carrying of firearms, the carrying of firearms on college campuses, and that would make a stand your ground defense easier. Only the only open… Read more »

As we celebrate the anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision that protects a woman's right to make her own reproductive health choices, we are so grateful for all the mothers, sisters, daughters and friends whose lives have been saved by the landmark Roe v. Wade decision. Thanks to this core constitutional right, women no longer have to suffer through dangerous procedures that irreparably harmed them, or in many cases, killed them - just to have control over their own bodies. Read more »

BLOOMBERGDNC Chair At Florida Capitol to Oppose Guns on Campus BillTallahassee, Fla. (AP) -- Democratic National Committee Chairwoman and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is hoping to convince Florida lawmakers to oppose a bill that would allow concealed weapons permit holders to bring guns on state university and college campuses.Wasserman Schultz was at the Florida Capitol on… Read more »

TAMPA BAY TIMESSenate chairman say bill to open campuses to gun toting students is deadThe Senate chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed Thursday that the controversial bill, sb 68, to allow guns on college campuses will not get a hearing, even though it is moving swiftly through the Florida House."I don't think this is a Second Amendment issue,'' said Sen.… Read more »

MIAMI HERALDDiaz de la Portilla declares campus-carry bill dead for the sessionThe Senate chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmed Thursday that the controversial bill, sb 68, to allow guns on college campuses will not get a hearing, even though it is moving swiftly through the Florida House."I don't think this is a Second Amendment issue,'' said Sen. Miguel… Read more »

FLORIDA POLITICS BLOGCHRIS SMITH TO APPEAR WITH DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ TO ADDRESS STATE GUN MEASURESU.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz will speak to reporters and the public about a pair of controversial gun bills circulating in the Legislature at her old state Capitol stamping grounds Thursday.Broward Sen. Chris Smith will join the Democratic National Committee chairwoman in… Read more »

As a mother of two children who will be college freshmen soon and who represents thousands of families with children, I am elated that S.B. 68 will not be moving through the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee. This morning I stood with Senator Chris Smith, Senator Maria Sachs, Rep. Lori Berman and a coalition of concerned advocates and students to denounce this bill and its companion, H.B. 4001. We have a national epidemic of gun violence, and we know that college kids are still navigating life outside their home for the first time. We need more funding for security personnel and universal background checks on college campuses – not carry permits. This was the right decision and I'm glad Senator Diaz de la Portilla recognized that this was a dangerous step in the wrong direction. Read more »

Today Americans come together and pay tribute to one of our nation's most important leaders in the quest for social justice and equality, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His teachings of nonviolence, peace and love have resonated with countless millions of Americans as we seek to bend the arc of history and expand freedom here at home and around the world. The arc has not bent easily; our nation is accustomed to setbacks and obstacles. But we have worked tirelessly to overcome them and move our nation forward. Dr. King believed that the government had a fundamental responsibility to meet the needs of its people. During President Obama's administration, we have advanced many of those pressing priorities, from making our nation a more inclusive and free place for people of all races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, and genders; to expanding quality, affordable health care to those who need it most; and acting decisively on climate change to leave our planet a better place for the generations who will follow us. Read more »