TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (The News Service of Florida) - On the first day of the 2018 legislative session, Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran both addressed their chambers about legislative priorities for the next two months.
Negron reiterated the Senate will have “zero tolerance” for sexual harassment or misconduct against employees and visitors.
Other Senate priorities include addressing impacts from Hurricane Irma, making permanent an expansion in bright futures scholarships, and solving Florida’s opioid crisis. Negron says those who sell the drugs should be prosecuted, but those who are addicted need support.
“Men and women who come forward to seek help, we should have appropriate solutions for them, that we have appropriate treatment for them including medication-assisted treatment to give them every opportunity to overcome their addiction,” said Negron.
In his chamber, Speaker Corcoran told members that the House will continue to fight to make sure that every child is “afforded a world-class education.” Corcoran also made clear the House will not go along with tax increases or using state reserves.
“The Florida House will never support raising taxes on any individual, or any business, ever,” said Corcoran.
Florida’s 60 day legislative session runs through March 9, and the only bill lawmakers are required to pass is a balanced budget that would take effect on July 1.
