By: Paul Feuer Dave Tecker
Heading into the 2020 legislative session, our state delegation is asking the public for suggestions — always a good idea in an election year.
What should the legislature tackle? What are some of the priorities?
Here are a few:
Gun Control — Florida has made progress dealing with this pervasive problem, but much more needs to be done. There’s a move afoot to ban assault weapons, but that’s a political no-go. What may fly in Tallahassee is tightening background checks and strengthening “red-flag” confiscation of guns from the mentally unstable. While those steps won’t stop shootings — there are too many guns already out there — they may reduce the frequency.
Water Quality — Gov. DeSantis and the legislature made great strides in the last session, providing unprecedented funding and setting up groups to study ways to combat toxic algae and red tide. Unfortunately a bill to curtail septic tank runoff, a major contributor to the problem, failed. We urge the legislature to try again. Registration, inspection and periodic septic pump-outs is a no-brainer. Other states mandate it. So should Florida.
Affordable Housing — With little progress at the local level, it falls to Tallahassee to take the lead. A first step is to stop siphoning off money from funds created to kick-start workforce housing projects. In the past, much of the Sadowski fund money has been used, instead, to help balance the state budget. Sen. Kathleen Passidomo has unsuccessfully sponsored bills to prevent such raids. Let’s get it done this time. We must protect those funds.
Marijuana — A growing epidemic of THC-related deaths from vaping points up the need to tighten marijuana restrictions. Although the Food & Drug Administration has warned consumers to avoid THC-containing vaping products, they are sold in dispensaries throughout Florida. That’s unnecessary. Other states rely on pills, oils and edibles to deliver medical pot, and Florida should too.
Hemp — CBD, the non-psychedelic cousin of THC that’s legally sourced from hemp, is available in stores across Florida. It’s as easy to buy as carrots. Although the FDA has approved it only for treating epileptic seizures, CBD is being hyped as a wonder drug good for whatever ails you. Yet almost nothing is known about its effectiveness or safe use levels. While the legislature can’t conduct clinical trials, it can tell people what they are buying. Labeling requirements should be strengthened to include CBD concentration, other ingredients present and toxic impurities, e.g. pesticide and solvent extract residues. That’s Consumer Protection 101.
Short-term Rentals — Current statutes preempt control for vacation rentals to the state, with local exceptions grandfathered. This has led to confusion over who has regulatory authority and bitter disagreements over property rights. We urge our legislators to loosen the reins and return control to towns and counties. Home rule is the answer here. Localities know better than the state how to handle their rental problems.
Mental Health & Addiction — Florida ranks 50th among states in per-capita funding for mental health and substance abuse. Dead last. This in the face of a growing opioid epidemic and inadequate hospital and treatment facilities. (Nearly a third of Collier’s jail space is taken up housing homeless addicts.) Funding to provide more beds and post-treatment housing is desperately needed. National studies show treatment and follow-up support yields benefits up to eight times the cost of treatment.
These are some of our priorities.
Others will have a chance to weigh in on Collier County Legislative Delegation Day, October 30, 9:00 a.m. at North County Regional Park. Mark it on your calendar. Don’t miss this chance to speak to your state representatives.
Paul Feuer is chairman of the Collier County Presidents Council, and Dave Trecker is president of the Collier Citizens Council.