Editorial: Non-woke legislature is asleep when it comes to matters that mean something

As this legislative session nears an end, we thought it was the perfect time to reflect on what our lawmakers accomplished and how their actions have made our lives better.

Because, really, isn't that how we judge our politicians?

For us here on the Space Coast, our needs are not that different from those of other Florida counties, except for maybe our proximity to the Indian River Lagoon and our booming space industry sector.

But as we sat down and examined 2023 legislative action, we were left a bit underwhelmed. Our lawmakers seem to be more worried about appeasing our governor and continuing to stoke the battle flames of the culture wars than what really matters to the residents and taxpayers of our state.

Here are two things we thought they would focus on:

▪ Homeowners insurance rates

In light of last year's devastating storm season that included $60 billion in insured losses, many of us expected a rate hike to follow. (Do insurance companies ever lower rates after stormless years?) But is it fair to ask Florida homeowners to pony up so investors can reap their dividends?

We've been bombarded with emails and phone calls about outrageous increases or insurance companies dropping homeowners altogether. According to the Insurance Information Institute, Florida's homeowners insurance rates are expected to surge by at least 40%. This comes after an increase of 30% in 2022.

Last year, the state put $2 billion in taxpayer money aside for insurance companies and this March, our lawmakers passed a bill making it harder for residents to sue insurance companies. So, the legislature is working — just not for us. Before the session, we asked our Brevard delegation to list their top priorities. Not one mentioned insurance and none of those we contacted to write an opinion piece on the insurance crisis even bothered to respond.

▪ Economy

How has the legislature responded to rising prices? So far the legislature has passed an anti-labor bill that could spell the end for public employee unions throughout the state by making it illegal for them to collect dues through paycheck deductions, except for police unions. There is also language included that allows the state to abolish unions if dues-paying membership falls below 60%.

But don't worry. The legislature has passed legislation that no longer makes it necessary for Florida's governor to resign if seeking a higher office and they are working on a bill that will make details of his travel exempt from public records laws.

More:2023 Legislative session: Goals of the Brevard delegation

Instead of insurance rates and the economy, the legislature (at the behest of the governor) has given us more fodder to contemplate in its never-ending anti-woke campaign. (Wouldn't "sleep campaign" have sounded better?) It's almost like our legislature and its leader are playing the misdirection game, much like the powerless wizard of Emerald City.

Here's what it seems our lawmakers think matters the most:

▪ Continue the attack on the LGBTQ community with a massive expansion of the Parental Rights in Education bill. Remember, that's the one critics labeled as the "Don't Say Gay" bill. Last year's iteration, officials said, was aimed at stopping the "groomers" in the public school system from turning children in kindergarten through third grade from heterosexual to gay.

The rule change now bans discussion on sexual orientation and gender identity from grades 4-12, unless required by lessons in reproductive health instruction that students can choose not to take. One can imagine how difficult this might be for students just becoming aware of their sexuality.

Other bills prohibit children from attending shows involving female impersonators, also known as drag, as well as prohibit certain medical treatments for gender-transitioning youth. This isn't even about arguing the merits of any position. We want to know: What happened to DeSantis putting power back into the hands of parents? He talks of giving parents the power, but perhaps he prefers keeping it to himself.

▪ The war on Disney

Disney upset the Ron DeSantis apple cart last year when it put out a statement expressing opposition to the Parental Rights in Education bill.

We know there are many who agree with DeSantis' calls to rein in Disney and make it follow the same rules as other businesses but here's the problem: DeSantis is not treating Disney like other businesses. This has now become vendetta politics, with Disney seemingly being punished because it disagreed with the governor.

Now there are countering lawsuits. At stake is the First Amendment, you know, the one about free speech.

More:U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio cautions DeSantis that Disney-like disputes could harm Florida

In its federal lawsuit, Disney said: “In America the government cannot punish you for speaking your mind.”

In Ron DeSantis' America, it seems the government can.

But it all boils down to this: How are you making my life better? Are people coming to Florida to spend their tourist dollars because of who our governor is or are they visiting a certain mouse-themed amusement park? It would be nice to see our elected representatives, our legislators, put the needs of their constituents first and work on issues we really care about.

This editorial was written on behalf of the FLORIDA TODAY Editorial Board which consists of Executive Editor Mara Bellaby, Engagement Editor John Torres, Sports Editor Tim Walters and Sr. Marketing Director Gina Kaiser.

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