The Legislative session is drawing to a close on March 8, 2024. Recall in the last post that legislators trotted out new iterations of the Stop WOKE act and the union-busting bill SB 256. But as we all know, building on a bad foundation is ill-advised. Both the Stop WOKE Act and SB 256 have been challenged in court. Yet while we await rulings in both cases, the legislature is doubling down. Not only does this amount to punitive attacks on unions and higher education in Florida, it adds up to a colossal waste of taxpayer money.
Yes, the state uses taxpayer dollars to defend these bad bills in court to the tune of millions of dollars. This year alone, $19 million dollars has been earmarked to fight expected court challenges to these bad bills, $5 million of which goes to the Dept. of Education alone. Our elected officials are floating dubious bills along party lines, knowing they will be challenged, and in the process ignoring real issues that are affecting Floridians: insurance, housing, health care, to name just a few.
Take action!
Make your voice heard! HB 1291, the House version of the Stop Woke 2.0 bill is set for a vote on Thursday, 2/29. According to the bill, teacher preparation programs: “May not distort significant historical events or include a curriculum or instruction that teaches identity politics, violates s. 1000.05, or is based on theories that systemic racism, sexism, oppression, and privilege are inherent in the institutions of the United States and were created to maintain social, political, and economic inequities.”
- Take action against HB 1291, the Stop Woke (again) bill
- Consider personalizing the message and/or subject line as this does have more impact.
other actions
- Sign a petition supported by the FL AFL-CIO and FEA demanding legislators stop attacking unions.
- Find out how to get involved, get informed, and take action.
- Listen to a lively discussion of the latest bill threatening unions, HB 1471/SB 1746, on The Florida Roundup.
Faculty United Service Association 