The 2015 Eggs n’ Issues Legislative Wrap-Up Breakfast was held on Tuesday. Aug. 25, at the Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival Fairgrounds. Over breakfast and coffee, Representatives Jake Raburn, Dan Raulerson and Ross Spano, along with Sen. Tom Lee, told Plant City residents about their plans for the future and what they accomplished in the last legislative session.
JAKE RABURN
Rep. Raburn (R) of District 57, passed a tax-relief package of $428 million, which included the recent 10-day back to school sales tax holiday. Rep. Raburn also worked to put money in reserve funds, and continues to support funding for education. He continues to work on per student funding.
“The future and success of our economy is predicated on having a workforce that is educated and ready to meet the needs of our economy,” Raburn said.
In the next legislative session, he plans to work on agricultural issues, including providing abundant and clean water. He also remains focused on producing high school graduates that are ready for college or the work force.
DAN RAULERSON
Rep. Raulerson (R) of District 58, focused on agency accountability in the most recent legislative session. He allocated money towards water resource projects, and continues to work on HB 1219, more commonly known as The Pig Jam Bill. Like other fundraisers throughout the state of Florida, the Pig Jam is a temporary event that serves to raise money for a non-profit. The goal of the bill is to exclude events like the Pig Jam from inspections that occur at regular restaurant establishments. At the last Pig Jam, Raulerson says, 11 inspectors were present.
“The idea is, folks, that we have to fight government at every corner,” Raulerson said.
Raulerson also plans to continue his work with the Agency Inspectors General Bill, particularly focusing on creating an independent budget for inspectors.
ROSS SPANO
Rep. Spano (R) of District 59, remains focused on family issues. He addressed issues with human trafficking, including increasing penalties for solicitation. Victims are also now protected from being identified, as well as their safe houses. Spano says that he will continue to work to make sure that human traffickers are registered as sex offenders, which they currently are not.
Spano also hopes to allow smaller schools to participate in sports of their choice through the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), instead of the required participation in all sports.
TOM LEE
Sen. Tom Lee (R) of District 24, says that he will be an architect for a tax package in the next session, specifically focusing on what can be done for small businesses.
Sen. Lee also expressed health care to be a top priority, stating that the current expectations made by policy makers cannot be met.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com