Local legislators weigh in on priorities for next session
Posted over 13 years ago by Regina Sanders
The 2012 legislative session begins Tuesday, January 10, and Senate President Pro Tempore Michael Bennett says he and his legislative colleagues have a lot of work in the upcoming session.
Before 244 attendees at the Plantation Golf and Country Club, Bennett outlined his legislative priorities at an Annual Regional Luncheon.
"Balancing the budget and trying to balance the budget without undue cuts to the people who need it the most – the senior citizens, the children throughout the state of Florida," says Bennett when asked about the number one priority.
Bennett also says dealing with the pension problems and cutting Medicaid are priorities. He proposes allowing nurse practitioner to write certain prescriptions.
"We know through all of our studies that the savings on that in Medicaid alone would be about $400 million a year," says Bennett.
Another major issue is redistricting.
Bennett says he expects a big legislative fight, fraught with lawsuits.
"They're going to be at it a long time. The courts will be making the final decision," he said.
Fort Myers Representative Matt Caldwell hopes fairness prevails in the redistricting battle.
"Lee County should get four House seats, and I think we will from all the drafts we've seen so far," says Caldwell.
Another hot topic is allowing destination resort casinos in Florida.
"I'm a very open-minded person," says Sen. Lizbeth Benacquisto. "But it will have to be a very compelling story to ask me to vote on behalf of my constituents to open the entire state of Florida to gaming on every street corner."