Page 5 - Florida Sentinel 3-11-22

State
Rep. Dianne Hart Continues To Fight For Constituents In Tallahassee
“This session has been a challenge. Nevertheless, it is one that I am honored to have represented you in.
“For the fourth year in a row I carried legislation to address Florida’s antiquated parole system. House Bill 169, Parole Eligibility, would require the Florida De- partment of Corrections and the Florida Commission of Offender Review to create written requirements for what it takes to be parole eli- gible. There are currently over 4,000 people who are “Parole Eligible,” but only 23 were released in 2019. My bill would look to alleviate the overcrowding that we cur- rently have in our facilities, while also prioritizing public
safety.
“This session, the bill was
heard in three committees and ready for the House Floor however, it was not allowed to be heard by the general body and will not become law.
“I am happy to report that two bills that I am Prime Co- Sponsor on have passed through the Legislature and are on their way to the Gover- nor’s desk. HB 795 Peer Specialist would allow those with background challenges who have overcome drug abuse to mentor those cur- rently struggling with addic- tion in hopes of dealing with the opioid crisis that is rav- aging the state.
“HB 543 Uterine Fi-
STATE REP. DIANNE HART ...District 61
broids would create a data- base for the state to study this disease and look for alterna- tives for treatment instead of automatic hysterectomies.
“While there have been
some wins, I have continued to fight against bills like HB 1197 which would look to bust up unions and their abil- ity to advocate for everyday workers. As a former union member, I know the value of unions and will always sup- port a person’s right to union- ize.
“I have also continued to fight for funding for afford- able housing. I have been meeting with the chairs of various appropriation com- mittees, both in the House and Senate, to ensure that money is allocated towards the Sadowski Housing Trust Fund so that cities have the resources needed to rehabili- tate adequate housing, and
allow down payment for our state’s most vulnerable.
“I have been strong in my advocacy for more money in the SAIL program to provide the dollars needed to build new multi-family housing units in Florida’s most densely populated areas. I have been told that there is $128 million for Sail and $210 million for the Sadowski Trust Fund.
“As we enter the final days of the Legislative Session, please know that it is truly an honor to be your voice in Tal- lahassee. I fight everyday with the residents of House District 61 on my mind. I look forward to returning home to continue to advocate for you.”
FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022 FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY PAGE 5-A