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During the last legislative session, state lawmakers passed legislation some believe disproportionately affects Florida Latinos. Two Tampa state representatives addressed these issues and others at a conference in the State Capitol on October 18th.
“Today, Hispanics and Latinos from across the state are mobilizing to the capital to uplift our community and highlight how current legislation disproportionally impacts Hispanics and Latinos.”
Democratic State Representative Susan Valdés and Minority Leader Fentrice Driscoll were joined by leaders of various Latino activist groups for the conference.
Valdés discussed Senate Bill 1718, the immigration law signed by DeSantis in May. It’s one of the strictest in the nation.
“Hospitals required to collect data on the immigrant status of its patients, and it will deter the undocumented Floridians from seeking healthcare and could put their lives, and also our lives, at risk.”
Earlier this year, the Florida Immigrant Coalition launched a campaign to encourage people to not answer questions regarding their immigration status at hospitals.
Other issues were also addressed. Carla Rivera is the Legislative and Policy Manager for Alianza for Progress.
“Floridians are enduring the highest property insurance premiums in the entire nation. Time and time again, lawmakers have pledged to answer this problem, and it’s high time we turn those words into concrete action.”
The Florida Legislative Session starts in January.
