Dear Friends,
We are over half way through the 2024 Legislative Session and have plenty of more ground to cover. Over the course of the 2024 Legislative Session, the Republican Caucus is committed to being focused on delivering real results for Florida’s families and ensuring that Florida continues to lead the nation with a world-class education system and thriving economy.
The Senate Committee on Fiscal Policy passed the Live Healthy Legislative Package with unanimous support. This robust policy proposal addresses key shortages in Florida’s health care workforce and stimulates innovation in health care. This Legislative Package combines targeted policy enhancements and critical investments to increase Florida’s health care workforce and efficiency across the health care sector.
Senate Bill 7016, presented by Senator Colleen Burton (R-Lakeland), Chair of the Senate Committee on Health Policy, seeks to enhance Florida’s healthcare workforce by addressing key shortages of physicians, nurses, technicians, and other health care professionals.
Senate Bill 7018, presented by Senator Gayle Harrell (R-Stuart), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services, funds strategic investments in health care innovation through a revolving loan program.
The Florida Senate also passed a critical deregulation package that enhances our public schools and empowers them to deliver an educational experience fit to the needs of their local community.
Senate Bill 7000, presented by Senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami), enhances the authority of local school districts to recruit and retain the very best teachers. Specifically, this legislation provides flexibility to districts in setting salaries for instructional personnel, in offering multiyear contracts, and in personnel evaluation systems.
Senate Bill 7002, presented by Senator Travis Hutson (R-St. Augustine), removes burdensome administrative guidelines on local school districts that have hindered the operational success of Florida’s neighborhood public schools for far too long. This legislation provides flexibility to schools regarding communications, finances, construction, and administration.
Senate Bill 7004, presented by Senator Corey Simon (R-Tallahassee), directly improves the educational experience for students and families. This legislation enhances progress monitoring processes to allow for early intervention, ensuring that student’s get the support they need before retention is necessary. Senate Bill 7004 also reduces high-stakes testing and revises graduation requirements, allowing for students to be evaluated in a more holistic manner.
We have made tremendous progress towards improving Florida’s healthcare landscape, as well as the education that our children receive. We will continue to work diligently on behalf of all Floridians.
Thank you for letting me be your Senator, and for allowing me to fight for faith, family, freedom, opportunity, and life.
Onward & Upward,
Senator Dennis Baxley
