Dear Friends,
This comes to you from our desk in Tallahassee as committee meetings are in full swing. An informed person is an empowered person and so we hope to continue bringing some reports to our folks back home.
Most of the work being done, so far, is hearing reports from various state agencies regarding their operations and some forecasting about what next year will bring. On the financial side, Florida continues to rebound from a tough year 2020 where real GDP fell by 2.8% for the year. Thanks to strong conservative leadership from our Governor and Legislature, we have recovered those losses with an average growth of 7.2% over the first two quarters of 2021. Personal income growth rates for Floridians are anticipated to be above 4.0% for the 2021 year, which is excellent news considering that the national average for 2020 was in the negative by about 25%.
Every ten years, coinciding with the U.S. Census, each state will draw a new district map for their elected representatives and Senators. This process, called Redistricting, must be completed by the Florida Legislature in the upcoming Session. This process will take up much of the focus and energy this year. We have many talented and knowledgeable staff working hard to help us accomplish this mission and we are very confident that the final product will be fair and legal. The Senate website has some excellent information on this topic and we encourage everyone to utilize these resources and to be informed.
We have received many calls and e-mails from constituents around the state, on a variety of topics, and it is very encouraging to see so many people actively participating in their government. In a state with 22 million people, there are many different opinions and ideas, and it may feel like you are not being heard. Do not be discouraged, keep calling, keep e-mailing and making your voice heard. Better still, find a group of like-minded individuals and amplify that voice and you will find yourself better prepared to make a difference. “Nothing significant is ever done alone, but one person can make a big difference.”
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
