On Tuesday June 12th 2018, the Liberty First Network released its analysis and scorecard from the combined 2017 and 2018 legislative sessions. The Liberty First Network is a state-wide organization dedicated to advancing legislation in the Florida Legislature that will reduce the size and scope of government and increase individual liberty.
LFN used 20 pieces of legislation between the 2017 and 2018 sessions that were considered either pro-liberty or anti-liberty and points were assigned accordingly. Points were also awarded for sponsoring or co-sponsoring LFN’s priority pro-liberty legislation. The Liberty First Network believes that true freedom and liberty consists of both economic liberty and personal liberty and the two are not divisible. Legislation was selected for this scorecard based on taxes, regulations and free market solutions as well as private property rights, right to defend oneself, protection from unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to due process.
Only five Representatives and two Senators received an A or A plus score. While Republicans scored higher than Democrats as a whole, several Republicans received failing grades.
“While the 2017 and 2018 sessions saw several of LFN’s priority pro-liberty bills pass, such as ride-sharing legislation and legislation to protect Doctor-Patient Direct Care agreements, but, we were also disappointed that in response to the tragedy in Parkland, the Florida legislature unnecessarily took the gun rights away from 18, 19 and 20 year- old citizens of Florida”, said LFN President Alex Snitker. “Also, disappointing is that the Florida Legislature still has not seriously addressed the spending problem with another record spending budget in 2018, despite warnings from state economist of impending budget deficits,” said LFN’s President, Alex Snitker. “Even taking out the additional funding needed for Hurricane Irma disaster relief and the school safety program, the Florida budget grew to a record level”, Snitker added.
The Liberty First Network will highlight the seven legislators receiving an A or A plus as “Champions of Liberty”. LFN believes that attaining this status should be difficult and that a legislator should show they truly believe in limited government and expanding individual liberty to receive this honor. LFN commends Representative James Grant as the top score of 105, as well as Senator Greg Steube as the top score in the Florida Senate of 100. Representative Jason Fischer also received a score of 100. Senator Jeff Brandes, Representative Blaise Ingoglia, Representative Byron Donalds and Representative Cord Byrd round out the “Champions of Liberty” designation.
The Liberty First Network believes in educating the voters of Florida on the legislative process and we feel it is important that you know how legislators voted on key issues of liberty.
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