For decades, conservatives in Congress have talked about the need to cut government deeply, but they have always pulled back from mandating specific reductions, fearful of voter backlash.

Now, President Donald Trump’s administration is trying to make major cuts in government through the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, run by billionaire Elon Musk — an initiative led by an unelected businessman who’s unlikely to ever run for office and was appointed by a termed-out president who no longer needs to face voters again.

The dynamic of cutting government while also cutting out those who answer to voters has alarmed even some fiscal conservatives who have long pushed for Congress to reduce spending through the means laid out in the Constitution: a system of checks and balances that includes lawmakers elected across the country working with the President.

“Some members of the Trump administration got frustrated that Congress won’t cut spending and decided to go around them,” said Jessica Reidl of the conservative think tank The Manhattan Institute. Now, she said, “no one who has to face voters again is determining spending levels.”

That may be changing.

On Thursday, facing mounting court challenges to the legality of Musk ordering layoffs, Trump told his Cabinet that Musk could only make recommendations about government reductions. And there were more signs that Congress, after sitting on the sidelines for nearly the first two months of Trump’s administration, is slowly getting back into the game.

On Wednesday, Republican senators told Musk that he needed to ask Congress to approve specific cuts, which they can do on an up-or-down, filibuster-free vote through a process known as recission.

Senators said Musk had never heard of the process before. That was a striking admission given that it’s the only way for the executive branch to legally refuse to spend money that Congress has given it.

“To make it real, to make it go beyond the moment of the day, it needs to come back in the form of a rescission package,” said Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, a longtime advocate of spending reductions who said he introduced the idea of recission to Musk during the lunch meeting of the GOP caucus.

Of course, letting Congress have the final word may be constitutional, but it would open up the process to individual representatives or senators balking at cuts because of home-state interests or other concerns, as some have already. But Douglas Holtz-Eakin, a former director of the Congressional Budget Office and an economist in George W. Bush’s administration, said that “messy” process is a superior one.

“There’s always this instinct in people to insulate decisions from politics,” Holtz-Eakin said. “It’s a mistake in a democracy. It’s really messy. You’re not going to get the cleanliness of a corporate reorganization.”

Riedl noted she has advocated for deep cuts for decades, but there’s a reason Congress has balked.

“If Congress won’t pass certain spending cuts, it’s because the American people don’t want it enough,” she said. “If I want spending levels to be cut, it’s my job to persuade the people of America to agree with me.”

Trump and his supporters argue they did just that in the last presidential election when he promised to shake up Washington: “The people elected me to do the job and I’m doing it,” Trump said during his address to Congress last week.

A corporate-style approach to government has long been the goal of conservatives, especially one segment that has recently called for a more CEO-style leader who is less tied down by democratic commitments to voters. Musk has embodied that, bringing the same disruptive, cost-cutting zeal he brought to his private companies. Some of his DOGE moves mirrored steps he took to slash the social media site Twitter, including the email offering buyouts, both times called “Fork in the Road.”

Don Moynihan, a professor of public policy at the University of Michigan, said the effort seems more destructive than just an attempt to shrink government in ways conservatives have long advocated.

“It is usurping the role of Congress on spending and program design, using cuts as a backdoor way to impound and close agencies created by Congress,” Moynihan said. “It is implementing an unprecedented scale of disruption.”

Grover Norquist, an anti-tax activist whose pledge to make government small enough to “drown it in a bathtub” has made him an icon for small-government conservatives, cheered the DOGE project. He said Congress has to authorize any real reductions, but hoped that DOGE’s cuts show the legislative branch that voters will not panic when government is shrunk.

“If we do something for three years, they’ll make it the law,” Norquist said of Congress. “They’ll see it’s safe, they’ll see it’s successful. They’ll come in and put their name on it.”

Norquist acknowledged that Congress has repeatedly balked at the level of cuts that he would like to see, even under unified Republican control. He asserted that “95%” of Republicans support such reductions but “that wasn’t enough to get it across the finish line” in an era where the majority party usually only has a razor-thin margin of control in either chamber.

The past nearly half-century of politics has been defined by conservatives pledging to cut government spending, only to see it continue to grow. Republican Ronald Reagan swept into the presidency in 1980 pledging to cut government, but when he left eight years later its size had increased. The trend continued through Trump’s first term and during Democrat Joe Biden’s presidency.

Now, however, Trump will not face voters again, despite occasional quips about seeking a constitutionally prohibited third term. He has been open about his grudge against the federal bureaucracy, which he blames for many of his troubles during his initial four years in office.

“I don’t think previous presidents have had the same animus towards the federal government this one has,” Holtz-Eakin said.

He noted that Trump has launched a second cost-cutting initiative through traditional channels — his own Office of Management and Budget, which asked agencies to prepare for mass layoffs. That, Holtz-Eakin said, makes those coming reductions likelier to stick than DOGE cuts.

Holtz-Eakin said there are initial signs of voter discontent over the pace, depth and chaos of the cuts. “The usual way you visit that on a president is you wipe out his party in the midterms,” Holtz-Eakin said. “You never evade the voters.”

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St Patrick’s Day, the one day of the year where getting somewhat intoxicated and doing a horrible Irish accent in front of your friends is socially acceptable.

The reason we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, believe it or not, isn’t simply to drink Guinness and pinch people who aren’t wearing green; it’s to commemorate Saint Patrick’s bringing Christianity to the island of Ireland. And, of course, one of the most famous stories of St. Patrick was when he used his staff and banished all the venomous snakes from Ireland and drove them all to the sea.

Now, like with most things related to religion, it’s best not to dig too deep. If you do, you might learn St. Patrick most definitely did not drive away the snakes, seeing as there haven’t been any on the Emerald Isle since the last ice age. Although, to be fair, most historians and religious scholars view the snake story as a metaphor for driving out Paganism, not literal snakes committing seppuku in the ocean.

History and religious lessons aside, St. Patrick’s Day is among the most welcome signs of Spring arriving and March Madness dominating water cooler talks. And here in Tallahassee, there will be plenty of ways to celebrate during the weekend leading up to St. Patrick’s Day proper on Monday.

In the downtown area? Amicus Brewing Ventures will be having “Shamrock Slushees” served, $5 Pastor’s Pasture Pils on tap, and specialty Irish music blaring starting at noon on the day. If partying on a weeknight isn’t in the cards, Oyster City on Saturday will have live music in their beer garden from 1-4 p.m. followed by an encore from 7-10 p.m., all while serving “Green Tates Nitro Stout” on tap and delicious oysters from Osceola Oyster Co.

An Irish staple year-round in the 850, Finnegan’s Wake Irish Pub is teaming up with neighbor Fire Betty’s with green beer on tap, $5 shamrock shots, and live music from several groups such as Groove Merchants, Apalachicola Sound and Upside Ave. The fun starts at 8 a.m. Monday — yes, 8 a.m. — so you can further perhaps the most pervasive of all Irish stereotypes: drinking before noon!

If you reside near College Town or feel like running with the Noles, maybe check out Madison Social, where festivities are scheduled at 10 a.m. on St Patrick’s Day. Highlights include $4 “Irish breakfast” shots, $5 Dublin mules, $6 Guinness pints and $7 Jamesons.

Meanwhile, classic midtown destination The Brass Tap is gearing up for its 10th annual “Biggest Baddest St. Paddy’s Party.” The event starts on Sunday at noon and ends on Monday at 11:59 p.m. and will feature Irish cuisine, live music and appropriate — presumably green — beer and drinks.

If you can feel the hangover just by reading the above, maybe buying some soda bread, corned beef, and cabbage is the best route. That sounds a lot tastier than flat beer with a squirt of green food coloring.

___

Coming up, the usual assortment of news, intel, and observations from the week that was in Florida’s capital city by Peter Schorsch, Drew Wilson, Drew Dixon, Liam Fineout and the staff of Florida Politics.

But first, the “Takeaway 5” — the Top 5 stories from the week that was:

— Take 5 —

TCOB — The Senate this week approved legislation that would provide more services to children with autism, one of Senate President Ben Albritton’s priorities. SB 112, which passed unanimously, proposes sweeping changes, including applying for federal funding to expand the Early Steps intervention program to care for up to 4-year-olds. The age limit is currently 3 years old. The upper chamber also teed up another Albritton priority for a final vote this week. SB 110, sponsored by Sen. Corey Simon, aims to spur a “Rural Renaissance” in Florida’s small counties by fostering opportunities for infrastructure improvements, education and health care enhancements for rural communities. With an affirmative vote from the Fiscal Policy Committee on Thursday, the legislation is now heading to the Senate floor.

Florida bound? — Florida’s U.S. Senators are putting their muscle behind a DeSantis priority regarding the future of NASA. U.S. Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott introduced the Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently (CAPE) at Canaveral Act to move the space agency’s headquarters to the Space Coast. “Establishing NASA’s headquarters within the Space Coast will bridge the bureaucracy gap from the top down and bring stakeholders together,” Moody said. Moody contends it’s pointless for the agency to build a new headquarters in Washington, D.C., given that their current digs have had as little as a 15% occupancy rate. DeSantis said last month that he wants the proposed build in the nation’s capital stopped partly because “nobody shows up to work there anyways.” He thinks the project will end up “costing a billion” dollars, a spend not needed because “renovations” are already happening at Cape Canaveral.

Fightin’ words — The most controversial figure in kickboxing history continues to jab at Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Attorney General he recently appointed. “Why hasn’t Ron or his homosexual AG arrested me yet? Struggling to find probable cause? Ran your mouth like clowns but can’t do anything? Uh oh. COURT. OF. LAW. Innocent until PROVEN guilty. This is America, not Romania. I dare you to arrest me,” tweeted Andrew Tate about DeSantis and James Uthmeier on Thursday. That tweet was later deleted but was only the first in a series of statements. Tate said he’s back in Miami and that if he’s arrested and charged, he could “clear (his) name in a USA court of law once and for all.” DeSantis and Uthmeier have not responded to recent provocations from Andrew Tate or his brother Tristan.

Rollback rolls forward — Legislation that could roll back age restrictions on gun purchases put in place after the Parkland shooting cleared its first House committee this week. HB 759, which would reduce the age limit to buy firearms from 21 to 18, follows a call from DeSantis to reverse restrictions signed by Scott following the MSD massacre. Unraveling the post-Parkland law has been a priority of pro-gun organizations for years, with proponents alleging the current state law infringes on the Second Amendment. “At 18 to 20 years old, you can be tried for crimes and sentenced to death. You can sign contracts, can sue and be sued,” said Rep. Michelle Salzman, a Pensacola Republican sponsoring the legislation. Democrats on the committee criticized House Republicans for entertaining the repeal, but the measure moved forward nonetheless.

Denied — U.S. District Judge Mark Walker on Friday rejected a request by a consortium of technology companies for a preliminary injunction that would have at least further temporarily blocked the state’s ban on social media for young teens from taking effect. In his 13-page ruling, Walker said the groups representing trade associations failed to prove which social media platforms — such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X and others — would be affected under Florida’s ban. The technology companies had argued in court that at least one of the social media platforms would likely be covered by Florida’s law and would have to spend money and resources to comply with it. Walker said that wasn’t enough of a convincing argument.

— Chunk of change —

DeSantis dished out $2 million to the Manatee County Port Authority through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund this week to support infrastructure improvements at SeaPort Manatee.

The cash will be used for the reconstruction and repaving of key roadways, including South Dock Street, as well as essential stormwater mitigation enhancements. These upgrades aim to bolster the port’s resiliency, stimulate economic growth, and assist the region in recovering from the financial challenges posed by the 2024 hurricane season.

“Today’s investment in SeaPort Manatee will grow Florida’s export potential and increase manufacturing in our great state,” said DeSantis. “As Florida continues to attract more domestic and international business, it is critical that we bolster Florida’s ports for greater operations.”

Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue echoed the Governor, highlighting that “seaports are the backbone of Florida’s supply chain.”

The project is anticipated to create approximately 300 jobs while enhancing port efficiency and supporting the expansion of Honeywell, a manufacturer of home, aerospace and automotive products. Furthermore, infrastructure improvements are expected to attract new businesses over the next five years, including a cold storage warehouse, a fuel terminal and a manufacturing facility.

The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund promotes economic development through public infrastructure and workforce training initiatives, with proposals reviewed by FloridaCommerce and selected by Gov. DeSantis to address community needs across the state.

— Busted! —

Attorney General James Uthmeier, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and representatives from a handful of other law enforcement agencies announced a half-dozen arrests in a rental car theft bust.

“Thanks to the help of our law enforcement partners, six criminal aliens who stole upward of 80 cars will be brought to justice by our Statewide Prosecutors. Florida is a law-and-order state; we will pursue justice and work with the Trump administration to send these criminals back to where they came from,” said Uthmeier.

FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass praised the collaboration between agencies, calling it a “textbook example of law enforcement teamwork” that dismantled a sophisticated crime ring operating across Florida’s west coast.

The investigation began in June 2022 when FDLE agents in Fort Myers identified 12 stolen vehicles from Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties. The suspects, residing in the Tampa Bay area, were found to be targeting airport rental vehicles. They gained access to keys for high-end rentals, allowing them to transport vehicles out of rental lots to alter their vehicle identification numbers (VINs) before selling them. Some suspects also planted tracking devices on rental cars to locate and steal them from legitimate customers.

On March 11, 2025, law enforcement agencies arrested five of the six suspects on racketeering charges. One suspect was additionally charged with possession of a vehicle containing altered VINs.

The arrested individuals include Hector Rafael Gonzalez Tamayo, Yoan Oriol Gonzalez Solorzano, and Felipe Benitez Alonso, each of whom has been charged with racketeering. Yainier Pinillo Toro is currently in custody in Tarrant County, Texas. Meanwhile, Maria Beatriz Rodriguez La Rosa has been arrested and charged with possession of a vehicle with altered VINs and racketeering.

Authorities are still on the hunt for accused co-conspirator Inti Gomez Alonso.

— Smokey and the Bandits —

While Florida’s parks have faced threats from unexpected sources lately — golf courses, anyone? — that isn’t stopping Attorney General Uthmeier from cracking down on ne’er-do-wells spoiling their pristine natural beauty.

This week, Uthmeier, along with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, announced prison sentences for four criminals in connection with a string of state park burglaries.

The not-so-masterminds include Chandler Parrish Ellison, Alyssa Michelle Brewer, Aaron Tyler Higgins and Kayly Dawn Burns. Their charges include racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, armed burglary, and offenses related to burglarizing ranger stations in Central Florida and South Georgia. All four defendants pleaded guilty.

“Thanks to the cooperative work of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and our Statewide Prosecutors, four individuals who burglarized state parks will serve a collective 38 years behind bars. Florida parks showcase and preserve the natural beauty of this state, and I thank Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Robert Miller and FWC for pursuing justice and protecting our parks,” Uthmeier said.

The sentences result from an investigation that began in 2022 when numerous state parks in North Florida were burglarized.

“The collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies have been instrumental in bringing these individuals to justice and mitigating further threats to public property and visitor safety within state parks,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young.

— Uthmeier brings the smoke —

Right when it looked like “tobacco-free” campaigns were working and bringing down youth smoking, vaping and e-cigarettes made their debut.

At first, it was a way to help traditional smokers kick their habits without going “cold turkey.” The vape market has since transformed into a massive industry with a dizzying array of flavors and oddly named devices. To many, the menagerie of vaping options appears to be purposefully tailored to entice youth into nicotine addiction. Studies show it worked, and companies like JUUL found themselves at the center of many of these “targeting” controversies.

On March 10, Uthmeier announced a $79 million settlement with JUUL Labs to resolve litigation over the past marketing the company employed in Florida that allegedly targeted youth. JUUL is no longer allowed to take any action to reach children or youth in Florida through advertising, promotion or marketing of their products.

“As a father, the safety and well-being of children is top of mind, all the time. Florida has been a leader in the fight to end teen vaping, and I’m proud to announce this monumental settlement with JUUL. However, our work continues — which is why I am establishing the Vape Free Florida Fund, which allocates $30 million of the settlement funds toward enforcement of Florida’s laws protecting children from harmful marketing and products,” Uthmeier said.

Additional terms of the settlement include: JUUL shall not use models under the age of 35 in its advertising; JUUL shall not use brand names or cartoons in any of its advertising; JUUL shall not have its product or logo placed in TV or movies; JUUL shall not make any claims or representations comparing the quantification of the amount of nicotine in JUUL products to that found in combustible tobacco products; JUUL shall not advertise products in media or outlets in Florida (unless 85% or more of the audience of the media are not youth), and JUUL shall not use billboards in Florida.

The days of Joe Camel and tobacco companies clearly targeting youth may not be completely dead just yet when flavors like mango and crème brûlée, which can be smoked in a shiny new vape that can play “Brickbreaker” and be snagged at the suspiciously brand-new smoke shop across the street that conveniently doesn’t ID.

— Instagram of the week —

— The week in appointments —

Florida’s 20th Judicial Circuit Court — DeSantis has appointed Amanda Levy-Reis to serve as a judge in the 20th Circuit. Levy-Reis has worked as a Florida Rural Legal Services staff attorney since 2023. Previously, she was a law clerk for the U.S. District Court. She earned both her bachelor’s and law degrees from Stetson University. Levy-Reis fills the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Joseph Fuller. DeSantis also named James Stewart the court to fill the judicial vacancy created by the resignation of Judge James Sloan. Stewart has served as the Deputy Chief Assistant State Attorney in the 20th Judicial Circuit since 2022 and as Assistant State Attorney in the circuit since 2007. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his law degree from Northeastern University.

— Treasure hunt! —

Jimmy Patronis issued what’s likely his final monthly unclaimed property update as state Chief Financial Officer this week and it was a biggie.

According to the Department of Financial Services, $42 million was returned to its rightful owners last month, with the Miami metro accounting for a whopping $11.8 million of the overall total.

“I’m excited to announce that our Unclaimed Property team returned more than $42 million in unclaimed property this February to Floridians statewide. Enjoy a little more green in your pocket this St. Patrick’s Day by sharing some luck with your friends, family, and your business by visiting FLTreasureHunt.gov and searching for your unclaimed property today,” Patronis said in a press release.

Unclaimed property updates have been a staple of Patronis’ nearly eight-year tenure as CFO. The Panama City Republican often hams it up with holiday tie-ins and has made clearing the state’s inventory of unclaimed property a top priority.

His final score isn’t too shabby — more than $2.7 billion in unclaimed property has been returned to Florida residents since Patronis took office in 2017.

That’s not to say there won’t be any treasure left in the vault when Patronis leaves office, likely as the next Representative of Florida’s 1st Congressional District.

“It’s estimated that one in five Floridians has unclaimed property just waiting to be claimed, with an average claim of $825. There may be a pot of gold waiting for you in our unclaimed property vault — claim it!” Patronis said.

— Strike teams deployed —

While homeowners can build sandbag walls, keep their disaster kits stocked and triple-check their insurance coverage, there is only so much they can do to protect their homes from nature’s wrath.

Worse yet, disaster often double dips after the sun pokes back out by way of fraudsters, opportunists and scam artists.

Patronis activated his Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams (DFAST) this week to head to Central Florida following a major tornado that ravaged Seminole County. Two teams of nine law enforcement officers were deployed on March 11, and another team was dispatched the following day.

“DON’T SIGN ANYTHING! Bad actors, scam artists, and illegal contractors will be ready to knock on your door and take advantage of you and your family long before first responders ever arrive,” Patronis said.

“These fraudsters want to come between you and your recovery; that’s why I have deployed my Disaster Fraud Action Strike Teams to storm-impacted areas in Seminole County to be on the lookout for bad actors. These well-trained insurance anti-fraud strike teams are equipped with specialized knowledge of homeowners and auto insurance fraud and will be going door-to-door to educate residents on the signs of fraud and their rights as consumers and ensure lawbreakers are held responsible. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it is.”

Some common signs that someone may be trying to pull one over on you include offers to waive or discount an insurance deductible; a contractor has received a payment and hasn’t done any work on your home, and if a contractor doesn’t respond to your contact attempts after a payment.

— Don’t delay —

FloridaCommerce is reminding homeowners that the Hurricane Ian Housing Repair and Replacement Program application deadline is fast approaching.

Homeowners who suffered damage from Hurricane Ian, as well as those whose homes were further impacted by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene or Milton have until March 31 to get their ducks in a row and submit their applications.

Funding is available to low-to-moderate-income households in 20 designated counties: Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Osceola, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Seminole and St. Johns.

Homeowners are encouraged to apply for assistance as soon as possible. For further information about the program, visit ian.rebuildflorida.gov or call 800-915-6803.

The Hurricane Ian Rebuild Florida Program aims to support homeowners affected by the September 2022 storm. This program provides eligible households with essential resources to help rebuild their homes and recover from the disaster.

— Mental health matters —

Kissimmee Democratic Sen. Kristen Arrington and Coral Springs Democratic Rep. Dan Daley have filed two bills (SB 1750/HB 1591) to support first responders’ mental health.

The bill proposes allocating funds to the First Responders Trust Fund for grants specifically designed to support first responder mental health initiatives. The legislation further revises the EMS Trust Fund to the First Responders Trust Fund, increasing funding while stipulating that these funds can be used to support the mental health of first responders.

Arrington said in a statement that Florida’s first responders face stress and challenges daily and that the bill would help to bolster mental health support.

“Our first responders face unimaginable stress and challenges daily. It’s our duty to ensure they have access to the mental health resources they need to thrive. SB 1750 is a step toward acknowledging their sacrifices and providing them with the support they deserve,” Arrington said.

Daley added, “This bill ensures that First Responders have access to the support and resources they need to cope with the intense pressures that come with their jobs. It is about standing up for those who stand up for us and put their lives on the line every day.”

If passed, the legislation would take effect Oct. 1.

— Buggin’ Out —

What is the worst part of living in Florida? Bugs. Especially mosquitoes.

The best way to get back at them is to learn their ways and strike. So, on Tuesday on the third floor of the Capitol from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., come check out the “Florida Mosquito Control Association Advocacy Day,” which will include something straight out of your worst nightmare: an eight-foot lifelike replica of the Aedes aegypti mosquito!

The Aedes aegypti mosquito comes from Key West and is notorious for spreading disease.

Nearly 100 members of the Florida Mosquito Control Association Advocacy will be there to answer questions about one of our most hostile but important pests, the mosquito.

Hosted by Sen. Jim Boyd, FMCA Day will showcase new technology, such as the Skydio drone — a device that allows scientists to see mosquito breeding grounds from high above — and discuss new approaches and breakthroughs in mosquito control.

Over 80 mosquito species from Florida will be displayed, and there will be tables with FMCA scientists who can help people examine mosquito larvae.

As the sun comes back out in North Florida and spring breakers enjoy the beach and nature, it’s time to get that bottle of OFF ready or make sure you have the fastest reflexes to swat that sucker (literally).

— The girls are back in town —

On the eve of National Girl Scout Day, the Girl Scouts of Florida Association hosted its annual advocacy day at the Florida Capitol, uniting Girl Scouts, volunteers and leaders from across the state.

The event allowed attendees to engage with lawmakers, share personal experiences and promote policies that support the growth and success of Florida girls.

A highlight of the day was the Girl Scout Pinning Ceremony, which recognized lawmakers and state officials for their commitment to empowering girls. This ceremony underscored the partnership between Girl Scouts and Florida leaders, emphasizing investing in programs that foster girls’ development.

The Capitol Day also featured the presentation of the Girl Scouts State of the Florida Girl Report, which highlighted significant challenges facing girls today. The report included some alarming statistics, including that one in eight female students miss school due to safety concerns, that girls are twice as likely as boys to contemplate suicide and 46% of female K-12 students are not performing at grade level in math.

Despite these challenges, the report also showcased organizations such as Girl Scouts’ vital role in helping girls build confidence, leadership skills and resilience through mentorship and support.

“Capitol Day is a reminder of the power of advocacy and the importance of raising our voices for Florida’s girls,” said Chelsea Wilkerson, Girl Scouts of Florida Association President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Tropical. “The Girl Scouts State of the Florida Girl Report underscores the urgent need for support, but it also reinforces why Girl Scouts matters. We are committed to ensuring every girl has a safe, nurturing place to learn, lead, and grow into the changemakers of tomorrow.”

The entire State of the Florida Girl Report is available on floridagirlscouts.org.

— Have mercy! —

The Florida Conference of Catholic Bishops (FCCB) has asked DeSantis to stop the execution of Edward James, scheduled for March 20, and commute his sentence to life without parole.

James was sentenced to death after being found guilty of the 1993 murders of Betty Dick and her eight-year-old granddaughter, Toni Neuner, in Seminole County.

FCCB executive director Michael Sheedy wrote a letter to DeSantis stating that while the bishops mourn the victims’ loss, society must recognize the “intrinsic dignity and unalienable rights of every human life.”

“It is better for the people of Florida to punish severely without themselves acting to kill a human being,” Sheedy wrote. “Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is still a severe punishment which also serves to protect society from further danger from Mr. James.”

The press release states the Catholic Church teaches that human life is sacred and that the death penalty “perpetuates the cycle of violence” and “attacks the inviolability of the human person.”

It further asserts that executions are unnecessary and life imprisonment without the possibility of parole is severe but more humane. The group further calls for an end to the death penalty in the Sunshine State.

— Striking Beauty, Smarts and Confidence —

FAMU aims to help “strike, strike, strike” and motivate the next generation of young Black women leaders.

This past Sunday, Florida A&M University hosted the “Impressions of Beauty Black Girls Matter Meetup Brunch.” The event, powered by Sally Beauty Supply, saw students, aspiring entrepreneurs, the community, and industry professionals unite to celebrate women’s beauty, confidence, strength, and resilience and recognize their achievements in business and beyond.

A significant highlight of the event was the panel discussion, which featured Ashlee Gomez, CEO and Founder of Impressions of Beauty (and proud Rattler), Maya Smith, founder of “The Doux” and award-winning hairstylist, and Kailyn Thompson, also known as Miss FAMU. The panel was moderated by Brianna Harmon, a FAMU grad, who guided the discussion through the themes and importance of representation, self-care, and confidence.

The panel included sage networking advice for the young, hungry business minds in the room from Gomez: “Make sure you make and maintain good connections because you never know who you will have to work with in the future. And do what makes you happy — follow what aligns with you.”

Miss FAMU, while the panel discussed faith and perseverance, reminded the room during this Lent season: “Remember that beauty is not defined by what’s on the outside. It’s about true inner beauty and your intelligence. Trust in Him with all that you do.”

All attendees were given a gift bag full of beauty supplies and a $10 gift card to Sally Beauty Supply.

— Write back at FSU —

Knowledge is power. Reading is like going to the gym for one’s mind, strengthening it, and gaining knowledge and power.

Crappy book metaphor aside, Florida State University honored faculty and staff this week during “Authors Day” 2025 to celebrate those who have put knowledge, art, news, and escapism out in the world through the written word.

The event highlighted various works, including scholarly monographs, textbooks, handbooks, edited volumes, music scores, poetry, and novels, all released in 2024.

All told, 85 FSU faculty and staff members had their work showcased, genuinely revealing the variety and range of publications FSU staff produce. This included 97 books and compositions from across 13 different colleges at FSU.

“The books on display reflect the depth of our academic community. From groundbreaking research to insightful analyses, from powerful creative works to indispensable textbooks, these publications represent years — sometimes decades — of dedication, curiosity and perseverance,” said FSU Provost Jim Clark.

This year’s reception took place in the Beth Moor Lounge in the Longmire Building on FSU’s campus and was all organized by the FSU Libraries and Office of Faculty Development.

“The FSU faculty and staff are the heart and soul of the university. Their scholarship is used in the teaching they do with all of our students. They are really changing the world with the research they’re doing, and they are representing the best of higher education,” said Gale Etschmaier, dean of University Libraries.

Take this as a sign to finally write that novel, finish that screenplay, or even start that essay. You never know what your work might add to the world.

— TSC bags a boost —

Tax season is here. Just in time, too, as the stock market is crashing. How fun!

Unless you’re Al Capone, there’s a good chance you pay your taxes and know how much of a difference write-offs can make. So, too, does Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs, which shipped $10,000 to the Tallahassee State College Foundation to assist and support students pursuing careers in accounting and technology.

TSC said the donation will assist students who show promise and interest in these fields.

“We are deeply grateful to Thomas Howell Ferguson for their investment in our students and their futures. This scholarship will help remove financial barriers and open doors for students who aspire to build careers in accounting and technology, fields that are vital to our region’s economy,” said TSC Foundation Executive Director Heather Mitchell.

The “Thomas Howell Ferguson Accounting and Technology Scholarship” reaffirms the firm’s commitment to the education field in north Florida and demonstrates its hope for a steady pipeline of accountants in the area.

“At Thomas Howell Ferguson, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and strengthen our industry. By establishing this scholarship, we hope to inspire and support students who are passionate about accounting and technology, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed,” said Jeff Barbacci, the firm’s managing shareholder.

— Madness approaches —

Get your office pools ready (for entertainment purposes only).

The annual show — Selection Sunday — will set the field of 68 for the NCAA basketball tournament (6 p.m. ET, CBS).

Among the questions to be answered is which teams will earn No. 1 seeds. It seems likely that Auburn, Duke, Houston and Florida will be the top seeds in the four regionals.

The last time Florida was a top seed, in 2014, the Gators advanced to the Final Four. Other programs, such as Alabama and Tennessee, will be considered for the top seeds, although both programs finished behind Florida in the SEC standings.

There will be questions about the nation’s top player entering the tournament as Duke first-year phenom Cooper Flagg injured his ankle in the Blue Devils’ first game of the ACC Tournament.

At the other end of the list, teams on the bubble will wait to hear if they have been awarded an at-large bid. Thirty-one automatic bids are awarded via conference tournament championships. The selection committee will determine the other 37 spots.

Two-time defending national champions, Connecticut has struggled at times this season. Still, it should have the opportunity to attempt to become the first program to win three consecutive championships since UCLA in 1973.

The tournament tips off on Tuesday with two “First Four” games. The first round is played on Thursday and Friday. The tournament culminates with the national championship game on April 7. The Final Four will be held in San Antonio.

— Capitol Directions —

RON & CASEY DESANTIS — Up arrow — There’s not much better than playing Ferris Bueller and taking in a Spring Training game. We’re jealous!

RON DESANTIS — Up arrow — Nice uppercut by beating Trump to the punch on university DEI.

BYRON DONALDS — Up arrow — Save some for 2026, Congressman!

BEN ALBRITTON — Up arrow — A big W for ASD legislation.

DANNY PEREZ — Up arrow — Name the last Speaker who broke bread with the rank-and-file every day. We’ll wait.

ALVAREZ V. DRISKELL — Down arrow — ♫♫ People love it when you lose. They love dirty laundry. ♫♫

JENN BRADLEY — Up arrow — Shoveling taxpayer dollars to ballot amendment campaigns shouldn’t be a debatable issue, but here we are. Thankfully, the right side has a solid QB.

ERIN GRALL — Up arrow — Sorry, the ‘I was just queuing up a podcast, officer’ defense won’t cut it anymore.

DOTIE JOSEPH — Down arrow — Fighting with the Chair in committee is an interesting strategy … and not in a good way.

JUAN PORRAS — Up arrow — Not only did he get four bills passed through Committee, he got multiple Dem votes in favor of ‘Gulf of America.’

ALEX RIZO — Up arrow — If he keeps it up, he might just bring us back to the Christmas morning NSDs of yesteryear.

BRAD YEAGER — Up arrow — The Insurance Committee hasn’t been must-watch TV in forever. Great questions!

BUREAUCRACY — Down arrow — Which is worse: Losing $160M or forgetting to spend $360M?

MICHAEL YAWORSKY — Up arrow — It’s good to see the Insurance Commish standing up for retirement residents. A model public servant.

COLONOSCOPIES — Crossways arrow — Normally these are done in private, but former Insurance Commissioner David Altmaier got to enjoy a very public one.

DAVID ALTMAIER — Up arrow — Despite the reaming, he’s a truth teller. No subpoena needed.

FLORIDA TAXWATCH — Up arrow — Their report on private higher ed ROI was illuminating. Is it time to make school choice K-20?

TUITION — Crossways arrow — If jacking up out-of-state tuition shaves a few bucks off our kids’ tuition, we’re all about it.

FHA — Up arrow — Hospital leaders made their rounds, prescribing high-quality care for Floridians during FHA’s #HospitalDays.

FLORIDA PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS — Up arrow — It’s not just luck: Florida’s firefighters and paramedics packed the Capitol and put on a stellar King of the Hill game.

MERCURY — Up arrow — Danielle Alvarez is back, and she brought a stacked resume with her.

BILL PROCTOR — Up arrow — Seizing federal land in the South isn’t new, but getting a story out of it in 2025 is.

SKIP FOSTER — Up arrow — RTF doesn’t have the same ring as DOGE, but we’re cautiously optimistic.

SALLY BRADSHAW — Up arrow — Speak softly and carry a big Midtown stick.

GERALDINE THOMPSON — Halo — She was a ‘perfect blend of grace and strength,’ and the Senate’s send-off was pure class. Rest in peace.

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Party-line deal

Senate Democrats may support a budget resolution to avoid a government shutdown. However, when the funding package passed the House, Florida lawmakers broke along party lines.

“This bill does nothing to lower costs for American families,” said Rep. Lois Frankel, a West Palm Beach Democrat. “Instead, it fails to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid from devastating cuts promised by the President’s billionaire friend.”

The bill (HR 1968), which will keep the government open for an entire year, also drew some criticism on the right, though every Republican in Florida’s congressional delegation ultimately voted for it. Some said it was only President Donald Trump’s urging that led them to go along with the spending for now.

“Voting for a CR goes against every bone in my body, but I am placing my full trust in the President’s long-term commitment to getting our fiscal house in order,” said Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican.

“The previous Congress should have never hamstrung the President with a March 2025 deadline for current funding — just 50 days into his presidency. (I voted against that.) Having spoken with Donald Trump, I am confident in his ability to lead our country out of the debt crisis that has plagued us for decades. The American people put us in charge to fix these problems, and President Trump will do just that.”

Ultimately, only one Democrat supported the House resolution, and one Republican opposed it — neither from Florida. However, Republicans who supported the bill suggested it fell short of the spending cuts desired.

“While I typically oppose short-term funding measures, this legislation rejects the Washington presumption that nothing can be cut from the budget in order to fund priorities without increasing the deficit,” said Rep. Dan Webster, a Clermont Republican. “HR 1968 reduces overall federal spending for Fiscal Year 2025 while strengthening border security, providing critical funding for service members and veterans and protecting American taxpayers.”

For Democrats, the budget cuts felt too severe and deferential to the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.

“Any proposal that leaves our heroes homeless by decimating affordable housing assistance, cuts $23 billion for our wounded warriors who need care for toxic exposures and starves seniors of the food they need should be a non-starter for any member of Congress,” said Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat.

Earlier in the week, Florida’s two Republican Senators signaled they would approve the budget in the upper chamber.

“I will be voting with President Trump to keep the government open as Republicans work to deliver on the Trump agenda to secure the border, cut wasteful spending and finally balance the budget,” posted Sen. Rick Scott, Florida’s senior Senator. “We cannot let Democrats shut down the government & obstruct Trump’s agenda.”

On Thursday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, told the caucus it would be best to pass a budget right now. “For Donald Trump, a shutdown would be a gift. It would be the best distraction he could ask for from his awful agenda,” he told The Associated Press.

Already targeted

House Republicans are already using the vote against the budget by Democrats in battleground districts against them.

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) issued separate press releases criticizing Reps. Darren Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, and Jared Moskowitz, a Parkland Democrat. The emails laid out specific costs of a potential shutdown in Florida.

Loan financing for Florida’s 3.3 million small businesses will be jeopardized.

Funding for the Head Start program — which 28,546 children in Florida rely on — may be cut off,” wrote Maureen O’Toole, NRCC Eastern Regional Press Secretary.

An email labeling Moskowitz as “out of touch” said Florida’s 23rd Congressional District would see 4,472 federal workers lose paychecks, while another attacking Soto said a higher 7,953 federal workers in Florida’s 9th Congressional District could risk furloughs.

Of course, all eight Democrats in Florida’s delegation voted against the budget, but the emails signal which members House Republicans view as potentially vulnerable in 2026 because of the vote.

Moskowitz, for his part, said he would have supported the bill if the House had taken up an amendment he filed, guaranteeing that Social Security and Medicare would not be cut this year. “Let’s not forget Republicans removed their own Speaker over doing a CR,” he told MSNBC. “We need a bipartisan solution to keep government open.”

Soto said Democrats had no incentive to support a partisan bill. Instead, he would have backed a resolution to fund the government for a month while negotiating a bipartisan package.

“House Democrats stand united for a four-week funding extension that stops harmful cuts to veterans, Social Security and disaster relief, keeps our government running, and allows Congress to reach a bipartisan budget deal,” he posted.

First bill

Florida’s most recent former “Top Cop” is sticking up for her former colleagues and other public servants in her first bill filed in the Senate.

Sen. Ashley Moody’s Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act seeks to provide Federal Housing Administration home loan assistance to teachers, cops, firefighters and other first responders.

With this introduction, the Plant City Republican collaborates with Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia to reach across party and state lines.

Moody invokes her half-dozen years as Florida’s Attorney General to explain why this legislation, which her predecessor Marco Rubio introduced, is so meaningful to her.

“Florida is the most pro-law-enforcement state in the nation,” the Plant City Republican said.

“Over the past six years, while many other states and cities disparaged and cut funding for law enforcement, I fought for raises, bonuses, relocation assistance, and other benefits to show these officers that we value their service. The HELPER Act is the next great step in ensuring these heroes know we appreciate their hard work and sacrifices. It will also help them purchase a home in the community where they serve.”

Rep. John Rutherford, a Jacksonville Republican, is one of four co-sponsoring the House version.

Protecting agriculture

As Florida’s agriculture community recovers from several intense hurricane seasons, Scott sent a letter to Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins outlining some of the state’s needs.

“Florida plays a unique and vital role in America’s agricultural landscape as a leading producer of specialty crops, including citrus, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers,” Scott wrote.

“As the primary source of fresh fruits and vegetables for the Eastern United States during the winter months, Florida’s agricultural industry is essential to maintaining a stable and reliable food supply. However, this industry faces increasing challenges from hurricanes, foreign competition, and devastating plant diseases like citrus greening. Supporting Florida’s farmers is not just a regional concern — it is a national priority for food security.”

The Naples Republican outlined several specific needs of Florida farmers, including disaster block grants, staffing at the Farm Services Agency, and fair trade policies to protect seasonal fruit growers from dumping low-quality Mexican produce at the border. He also explicitly outlined research needs related to combating citrus greening.

“These issues are critical to the future of American agriculture, and I urge you to take swift action to support our farmers, protect our land, and strengthen our food supply,” Scott wrote.

Easier aid

Meanwhile, Rep. Kat Cammack introduced legislation she hopes will remove barriers to farmers and ranchers seeking federal disaster grant funding.

The Fair Access to Agriculture Disaster Programs Act would call for revisiting adjusted gross income limits for farms that have not kept pace with inflation.

“Our farmers, ranchers, and producers work hard every day to feed and clothe our nation. When disaster strikes, they should be able to access the important programs designed to protect them,” the Gainesville Republican said.

“The AGI limitations set years ago have denied access for producers who truly need it, and the exemption for farms making 75% of their income from farming and farming-related practices is much-needed to bolster resilience. I’m glad to join my House and Senate colleagues in leading this effort to ensure fair access to these critical disaster programs.”

She filed the bipartisan bill with Democratic Reps. Zoe Lofgren and Jimmy Panetta of California and Republican Rep. Austin Scott of Georgia.

“Barriers to assistance programs for our farmers and ranchers can hold back the recovery of rural economies after natural disasters,” Panetta said. “This bipartisan legislation would ensure that producers who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods can access the resources they need to not only get by during times of crisis but also to rebuild stronger. This is a common-sense solution that will strengthen our agricultural safety net and the agriculture of our country.”

NASA push

Sens. Moody and Scott are introducing the Consolidating Aerospace Programs Efficiently (CAPE) at Canaveral Act to move NASA’s headquarters to the Space Coast.

“Establishing NASA’s headquarters within the Space Coast will bridge the bureaucracy gap from the top down and bring stakeholders together,” Moody said.

“Florida is the gateway to space, and this common-sense proposal would save taxpayers money, encourage collaboration with private space companies, and tap into Florida’s talented workforce to spur further innovation. As stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must ensure that any new building will be filled with employees — not empty like we have been seeing in Washington the last four years.”

Her office suggested that building a new headquarters in Washington for the agency is pointless, given that the agency’s current digs have had as little as a 15% occupancy rate.

“Moving to Florida will not only save Americans’ tax dollars, it will enhance efficiency and streamline operations in this important industry with proximity to private-sector partners and a top-tier workforce ready to help America reach its space exploration goals,” Scott added.

Grand slam celebration?

Members of the congressional delegation have come together to talk turkey.

Reps. Scott Franklin, a Lakeland Republican, and Soto, a Kissimmee Democrat, filed a resolution recognizing Saturday, March 15, as National Osceola Turkey Day. Scott and Moody introduced a companion resolution in the Senate.

“The Osceola turkey is a special part of Florida’s natural heritage,” Franklin said. “We must continue critical efforts to conserve and protect their habitat, especially with only 100,000 birds left in existence. This resolution underscores the importance of conservation programs that protect Florida’s wildlife and preserve hunting traditions for future generations.”

The black-winged turkey, named for Seminole leader Chief Osceola, has long been a popular target for hunters. It is one of four species in North America and part of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s “Grand Slam.”

“Outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world come to Central Florida in search of the Osceola turkey — helping our local economy continue thriving,” Soto said. “I’m proud of our bipartisan efforts to protect the Osceola turkey and hunting traditions.”

Cleanup in aisle fairness

Just feet from the checkout counter at the United Against Poverty Member Share Grocery Store in Orlando, Rep. Maxwell Frost unveiled legislation to fight high grocery prices.

“Families across America are paying way too much for food while a few huge companies make billions of dollars,” Frost said.

“The Fair Grocery Pricing Act is the solution we need to stop these companies from unfairly raising prices and help make groceries affordable again. We can’t keep letting big food companies control the market and raise prices whenever they want. Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress ran on the promise of lowering costs, but now they have no plan and are pointing fingers — here’s something they can do to deliver on that promise and help Central Florida families.”

The legislation would make it illegal for food producers to use digital tools to share pricing or supply information, which Frost said leads to price-fixing. The bill would also stop the coordination of pricing through algorithms and create a legal avenue for consumers who feel commercial practices are keeping prices high.

Credit card caps

Credit card fees have brought together two members of Congress who are famously from different extremes of their parties. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a St. Petersburg Republican, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York Democrat, unveiled a bipartisan bill that would cap credit card interest rates at 10%.

“I’m proud to be the bipartisan co-lead to this legislation,” Luna said. “For too long, credit card companies have abused working-class Americans with absurd interest rates, trapping them in an almost insurmountable amount of debt. We need a fair solution — and that means getting rid of the status quo and putting a reasonable cap on interest rates.”

While Luna, a popular figure in the MAGA movement, and Ocasio-Cortez, head of The Squad, have been celebrated by polar opposites of the ideological spectrum, they also represent populist coalitions within their respective parties.

“Credit cards with high interest rates regularly trap working people in endless cycles of debt. At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, we cannot allow big banks to shake down our communities for profit,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

“During his campaign, President Trump pledged to cap credit card interest rates at 10%. We’re making that pledge more than a talking point by introducing legislation to protect working people from remaining trapped under mountains of debt.”

Insurance fraud

As health insurance rates climb nationwide, Rep. Kathy Castor is part of a bipartisan effort to crack down on rogue carriers changing prices after consumers sign up for plans.

The Tampa Democrat filed the Insurance Fraud Accountability Act with Rep. Deborah Ross, a North Carolina Republican. The bill would establish criminal penalties and enhance consumer protections when insurers change plans advertised in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace without subscribers’ knowledge or consent.

“The Affordable Care Act has been a godsend to families across America and in Florida, which has the highest number of marketplace enrollees nationwide,” Castor said. “The ACA has lowered the cost of high-quality health care and banned discrimination for preexisting conditions. Unfortunately, a few bad actors are exploiting people and signing them up for health insurance plans without their consent.”

Ross said that type of change in practice hurts consumers unfairly.

“North Carolina families should never have to wake up to find their health insurance changed or canceled without their knowledge,” the Republican Congresswoman said.

Castor expressed hope that, regardless of lawmakers’ opinions on the marketplace, members would unite to fight customer unfair treatment.

“Together, these measures will protect hardworking Americans from predatory practices and keep money in their wallets where it rightfully belongs,” she said. “If President Trump and Congressional Republicans were serious about addressing fraud in our health systems, they would support this critical legislation.”

Streamlined swapping

Rep. Byron Donalds, a Naples Republican, is joining Moskowitz to facilitate conservation efforts for states and tribes.

The Make State Wildlife Action Plans (Make SWAPS) Efficient Act would expedite the federal process for approving state wildlife protection grant funding. It would also institute a six-month timeline for the Fish & Wildlife Service to review wildlife action plans before they are automatically approved.

“Florida depends on the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program to help protect the diverse ecosystems that call our state home, but it takes far too long for the federal government to approve wildlife conservation action plans under it,” Moskowitz said. “So, I’m teaming up with Congressman Donalds on common sense legislation that will institute a timeline for officials to sign off on these strategies and get these targeted funds out more quickly. By streamlining this conservation tool, our bill will cut red tape and help ensure our public lands and Florida wildlife stay protected from coast to coast.”

States typically submit SWAP plans every 10 years. Despite this infrequency, the federal government has taken up to 18 months to release appropriate funds.

“As we continue to peel back the labyrinth of federal bureaucracy that has paralyzed the basic functions of our federal government, we must turn to the Department of Interior,” Donalds said.

“Currently, it’s taking over a year and a half to approve basic state wildlife protection plans to ensure non-game species do not become threatened or endangered. This is unacceptable, and this is why I introduced HR 1676 to expedite this timeline to just 180 days. We are making our government efficient again whether bureaucrats in Washington like it or not.”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, All Florida, Ducks Unlimited, and Florida Commercial Watermen’s Conservation endorsed the bill.

Teacher pay

Rep. Frederica Wilson, a former schoolteacher and principal, continues championing public-school educators in Congress. The Miami-Dade Democrat reintroduced the American Teacher Act, which would boost minimum teacher salaries to $60,000 nationwide.

“It’s about damn time we give our public schoolteachers a raise. With the ongoing teacher shortage worsening each year, we fail to raise teacher salaries while prices rise; it’s no surprise that talented educators are leaving the profession. Speaking as a former public-school teacher and principal, I know firsthand how important our teachers are and how hard they work. Yet, despite teachers’ hard work, they often go unnoticed and are underpaid, forcing them to juggle multiple jobs just to make ends meet,” Wilson said.

“That is why I am once again introducing the American Teacher Act to ensure every teacher across America makes at least $60,000. Once we start respecting our educators, we can expect better student outcomes and watch our teacher shortage shrink.”

In addition to teacher raises the bill establishes a grant process for states to seek assistance paying those rates. Going forward, it would tie pay to the state’s Consumer Price Index.

Teachers unions endorsed the legislation.

“Students of every color, background and ZIP code deserve qualified and caring educators who are dedicated and have the resources to uncover the full potential of every child,” said National Education Association President Becky Pringle. “Unfortunately, today, we continue to find ourselves in a five-alarm crisis, with staffing shortages in schools across the country.

“Moreover, we have a shortage of professional pay, basic dignity, and respect for the professionals they are. Educators proudly support the American Teacher Act, which will meet the goal of addressing educator shortage with long-term solutions, not Band-Aid approaches. We must recruit large numbers of diverse educators into the profession and retain qualified and experienced educators in our schools to support our students in learning recovery and thriving in today’s world. We are grateful to Congresswoman Wilson for standing by our educators and fighting for our students.”

Florida in, Florida out

A Florida leader, Keith Sonderling, secured Senate confirmation as Deputy Secretary of Labor. In January, Trump nominated the Gunster lawyer to work under newly confirmed Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer.

The West Palm Beach Republican ultimately saw a close 53-46 confirmation vote, with the Senate voting purely across party lines. Both Moody and Scott supported his confirmation.

However, this week, a former Florida delegation member nominated for a key post was withdrawn from consideration. Former Rep. Dave Weldon, an Indian American Republican, had been nominated by Trump as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director. However, amid scrutiny over his anti-vaccine views, the White House withdrew his name from consideration immediately ahead of a scheduled hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee.

He is the third Trump nominee to withdraw from consideration. The other two were Florida men: Former Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration as Attorney General and Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister withdrew from consideration as Director of the Drug Enforcement Agency.

On this day

March 14, 1794 — “Patent issued for cotton gin” via the National Archives — Such machines had been around for centuries when Eli Whitney made his improvements. However, Whitney’s device was the first to clean short-staple cotton; a single machine could produce up to 50 pounds of cleaned cotton daily. It made cotton a profitable crop for the first time. Ultimately, however, the most significant impact of the cotton gin was on the growth of slavery. Though the cotton gin reduced the labor of removing seeds, it did not reduce the number of enslaved people forced to grow and pick the cotton. The opposite occurred.

March 14, 1865 — “Confederacy approves Black soldiers” via History.com — With the main Rebel armies facing long odds against much larger Union armies, the Confederacy, in a desperate measure, reluctantly approves the use of Black troops. The situation was bleak for the Confederates in the Spring of 1865. The Yankees had captured large swathes of Southern territory, General William T. Sherman’s Union army was tearing through the Carolinas, and General Robert E. Lee was trying valiantly to hold the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia, against General Ulysses S. Grant’s growing force.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Rep. Mike Haridopolos, who turns 55 on Saturday, March 15.

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Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol, with contributions by A.G. Gancarski.

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