So conservative republican Florida governor Ron Desantis makes it nearly impossible for a citizen voter initiative to even make it on the ballot. With fines for late or incomplete petitions and petitions must be turned in within 30 days of signature or face fines or even be sued by the Florida Attorney Generals office. The process is essentially a nod for big money interests to control the political process in the great state of Florida and squashes any grassroots effort to amend Florida's constitution. Why do conservatives think Republicans are for freedom and democracy when in fact they support and defend the status quo of corporate big money interests? Ron DeSantis signs crack down on constitutional amendments, solidifying Republican control in Florida TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday approved legislation that would crack down on citizen petitions, a move that is likely to quash future ballot initiatives disliked by Republican lawmakers and corporate donors. The bill, which takes effect before the 2020 election, makes it drastically harder to collect enough signatures to make it onto voters’ ballots. And it will solidify Republican control in Tallahassee by eliminating one of the last threats to their power: the ballot box. Orlando attorney John Morgan, who is trying to get an amendment on next year’s ballot to raise the state’s minimum wage, blasted state lawmakers. “I know these people, and they’re basically run and owned by lobbyists,” Morgan said Friday. “And the constitutional amendment takes the power away from the lobbyists and gives it to the people, and they don’t want that. “You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.” DeSantis, who signed the bill along with 37 others on Friday, was the driving force behind it. The bill had died in the middle of this year’s legislative session, but it was resurrected in the closing hours and amended to another bill at the urging of the new governor. “Last year, we had so many amendments that I think we need reform,” DeSantis told reporters after the session ended last month. “Whether this is enough, I don’t know ... We’ve let too much policy go into the Constitution.” The bill requires ballot initiatives pay petitioners by the hour, rather than by each signature they collect. They must register as an in-state circulator with the Secretary of State and turn in all signatures within 30 days of being signed. Ballot initiatives must also include the name of the initiative’s sponsor and the amount of money raised by in-state donors. Violating the provisions carry steep penalties, such as fines of up to $1,000 for “willfully” not meeting deadline and the threat of getting sued by the Florida Attorney General’s office. Republican lawmakers justified the bill by saying it was meant to crack down on fraud. But its advocate in the Senate, David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, could not point to any cases of fraud. What the legislation is sure to do, however, is stifle the last area outside of statewide Republican control in Florida. Republicans have dominated the Legislature, Cabinet and governor’s mansion for the last 20 years, and every member of the state Supreme Court has now been appointed by Republicans. But liberal groups and others have seen some success getting their priorities into law by proposing amendments to the state Constitution. Over the last several years, at least 60 percent of voters have changed the Constitution to require the Legislature adopt fair voter districts, allow medical marijuana, protect environmental lands and restore the right to vote for felons. And more amendments are on the way — or were on the way before DeSantis signed the bill Friday. Groups have been trying to get an “energy choice” amendment on the ballot for 2020, which would allow people to choose their power company. It’s been met with steep opposition from the state’s investor-owned utilities, which are major Republican donors. And then there’s Morgan’s minimum wage amendment, which corporations also don’t like. Morgan, who led the medical marijuana ballot initiative, said he still believes his effort will make it on the ballot, since he’s already gathered nearly all the signatures he needs. But he said it will be much more difficult — and expensive — for future ballot initiatives. “I feel bad for the rank-and-file citizens of Florida, and I think it’s why you look around and people think they don’t matter,” he said. “Money is what runs Florida, and what runs America.”
We have several cannabis legalization initiatives going around for a 2020 ballot vote, but looks like that ain't gonna happen now.
It's no mystery. When specific issues are brought to the people, they vote progressive. Issues like the environment, minimum wage, healthcare, gun control, cannabis legalization all trend in the super majority in national polls. What this is is corporate bought politicians doing the work of their donors and they will strip away our rights to be apart of the democratic process if they have too. This is what happens when folks vote for corporate politicians, especially the ones in the republican party.
This is what happens when you vote for politicians. Full stop. I must disagree that a super majority nationwide supports leftist policy. Maybe place like California and NYC but definitely not on a national level. I thought Florida usually went red. Am I wrong on that? And I know I must qualify with objectivity, not just your friends.
Look at the last election. Folks in red states voted for Trump, but when it came to voter initiatives, they voted for Bernie in terms of his policies. Look into the polling for yourself. All the issues I raised hold a majority support nationwide. We can debate accuracy of the polls, but regardless, those are the results and that trend is what has led the republicans in Florida to put a stop to voter initiatives. Does it make you wonder?
No offence man but I think you enjoy your echo chamber. Maybe I do too but I don't know many people at all that like anything to do with Bernie or gun control.
Bernie aside, over 60% of Americans want increased gun control. Nearly 70% are for universal healthcare. Over 60% are in favor of nationwide cannabis legalization. Over 60% say the government should do more about protecting the environment. 55% are in favor of a 15 dollar an hour minimum wage. And you wonder why the corporate bought politicians are trying to restrict our voting rights here in Florida.
Our legislators have done such a bad job citizens were forced to turn to ballot initiatives. On the other hand, DeSantis is right that too many things have ended up inappropriately in our Constitution. There's a lack of quality participation in our political process.
There is also a legislative process to amend our constitution. Just because you think something doesn't belong in there doesn't mean you should cripple the right of the citizens to amend THEIR constitution. Republicans control both houses and the governor seat. You think with that majority support they can't amend Florida's constitution and leave our voter initiative rights intact? Could you give some examples of things that should not be in the Florida constitution?
Another strawman argument. Nope. I'm following the exact words of the second amendment in my arguments for a well regulated militia bearing arms.
And I do believe the second amendment needs to be amended to make clearer it's intent as far as my argument goes. So nice try Mr. Strawman.
The funny thing about you corporate tools is that you need to restrict voters rights in order to maintain control because your policy positions are in the minority.
That is because it clearly doesn't say what you want it to say and the Supreme Court has already ruled on that.
You mean the supreme court packed with conservative judges that 60% of Americans disagree with on this issue? Whether or not you disagree with the position, do you believe voters should have their rights restricted as a result like Ron Desantis did in Florida?
Too bad its a Republic and not a Democracy heh? Those 60% of Americans law or grammar scholars? GW that is a ridiculous question to ask me, I oppose every aspect of suppression, I oppose states, all governments, borders etc. I honestly don't even care what the Constitution or the black robed priests say my rights are, my rights are not up for debate. I have them, was born with them and will challenge and fight anyone who wants to suppress them.
No, they're ordinary American citizens getting gunned down by mass murderers. Well that's exactly what these corporate politicians, particularly the republican party, is doing to maintain their control over our government and suppress the voting rights of Americans, and Floridians more so in this case.
