In this episode of Political Perspectives, hosts Karyn and Keith Edison delve into a series of controversial bills passed by the Florida state legislature. They discuss the Republican majority's use of preemption to impose state mandates on local governance, particularly criticizing the prohibition of local minimum wage increases and safety regulations for outdoor workers. Additionally, they cover an anti-union bill requiring yearly certification for unions, a teacher training bill avoiding discussions of systemic issues, and a proposal for a curriculum to teach about communism, highlighting perceived inconsistencies and favoritism. 00:00 Introduction to Political Perspectives 00:49 Diving into Preemption Bills and Local Control 11:58 Exploring Union Issues and Anti-Union Bills 15:34 Teacher Training and Education Bills in Focus 21:47 Concluding Thoughts and the Importance of Voting   Sponsored Content

In this episode of Political Perspectives, hosts Karyn and Keith Edison discuss and analyze three significant bills making their way through the Florida legislature. The first bill, House Bill 395, focuses on the protection of Confederate monuments and memorials within the state. The bill prohibits any alterations, removal, or destruction of any state-owned monuments which has stirred controversy. The second bill reviewed concerns the abolition of citizen review boards for grievances against law enforcement and correction officers. It has passed the house and is now in the Senate. The third bill, HB 359, entails changes to the voting system, including the prohibition of certain voting machines not manufactured in the United States, which poses a potential threat to the security of the systems. Finally, a bill sponsored by the Democrats concerning the use of artificial intelligence in political ads - requiring ads that use AI to influence perceptions to disclose as such - is reviewed.  00:00 Introduction to Political Perspectives 00:38 Discussing the Protecting Monuments and Memorials Bill 05:09 Exploring the Complaints Against Law Enforcement Officers and Corrections Officers Bill 09:41 Understanding the Voting Systems Bill 13:49 Highlighting the Artificial Intelligence and Political Ads Bill 16:17 Wrapping Up and Encouraging Viewer Engagement

In this heartfelt and compelling address, former congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell shares her personal story of struggle and success, from working a minimum wage job as an immigrant from Ecuador to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives. Drawing from her past experiences and her mother's hard work, she has become a staunch advocate for affordable healthcare, gun control, reproductive rights, accessible education among others. She criticizes her political opponent Rick Scott for his damaging policies on Medicare, Social Security, and gun control. Announcing her run for the U.S. Senate seat, she calls on Floridians to rise above divisive politics and focus on what truly matters: their everyday struggles and their future. Debbie asserts her readiness to face these pressing issues, particularly those resulting from climate change and promises to continue supporting all Floridians if elected. 00:43 Introduction: Debbie's Early Life and Career 01:25 Debbie's Personal Tragedy and Advocacy 02:07 Debbie's Political Identity and Ambitions 04:16 Debbie's Critique of Rick Scott 04:50 Debbie's Personal Experiences and Commitments 06:37 Debbie's Views on Democracy and Dictatorship 07:35 Debbie's Optimism and Call to Action 08:58 Debbie's Commitment to Florida 10:05 Debbie's Views on Insurance and Climate Change 13:33 Debbie's Final Message to Southwest Florida 13:57 Conclusion: Debbie's Final Remarks   Sponsored Content

Join Karen and Keith Edison, figures from the Democratic Party of Lee County, as they discuss the latest legislative developments in Florida. They review bills that are fast-tracked regarding minors' employment and a proposal to make guns even easier to get. They discuss concerns about the GOP-controlled legislature pushing proposals that seemingly oppose the general public's opinions and shed light on the role of public involvement in legislations. 00:13 Introduction and Welcome 00:49 Discussion on Unemployment Law for Minors 05:32 Debate on Gun Control and Background Checks 09:19 Restoring Voting Rights for Felons 12:27 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Dr. Cindy Banyai, political science instructor and volunteer with the Democratic Party of Lee County, discusses the upcoming legislative session in Florida. She outlines various bills and proposals that could have significant implications for the state, such as the total abortion ban, the threat to vote by mail, environmental management issues, rollbacks in protective lands and expansion of working capacities for minors. Dr. Banyai calls on viewers to get active and express their opposition to these proposed measures to their local representatives, emphasizing the importance of participation in the democratic process.  00:14 Introduction 00:17 Upcoming Legislative Session Overview 01:08 Abortion Ban and its Implications 03:42 End of Vote by Mail 04:38 Preemptions and Culture War Bills 05:38 Child Labor Law Changes 06:14 Environmental Issues and Bills 08:28 Call to Action and Conclusion 09:08 Closing Remarks and Sign Off

Dr. Cindy Banyai serves as a guest host for the Democratic Party of Lee County's program, Political Perspectives. In this episode, she enumerates the top five 'bonehead' moves made by the Florida GOP and contrasts them with the top five victories achieved by Florida Democrats in 2023. The episode scrutinizes Florida's political landscape, highlighting significant issues such as abortion laws, firearm policies, and political scandals. It also lauds Democratic achievements, including the election of Nikki Fried as the party's state chair, successful ballot initiatives, and the notable victory of Donna Deegan as Jacksonville's Mayor. A call to get involved politically and to register to vote underscores the episode's closing. 00:14 Introduction and Overview 00:30 Top Five GOP Bonehead Moves in Florida 00:55 Six Week Abortion Ban 01:39 Permitless Carry and Gun Violence 03:45 Radioactive Roads and Environmental Concerns 05:16 Ron DeSantis and His Presidential Ambitions 06:26 The Ziegler's Controversies 10:04 Top Five Democratic Wins in Florida 10:13 Nikki Freed's Election as Chair 11:07 Abortion Petition Initiative 12:36 Lee County DEC's Fundraising Success 13:07 Democratic Candidates for All Seats in Lee County 14:17 Democratic Movement in Various Races 15:46 Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of Political Perspectives with the Democratic Party of Lee County, the focus lies on expanding diversity and participation in the Florida Democratic Party. A change in the way State Committee Persons are elected is discussed, with the aim to reflect the demographics of the county more accurately. The inclusion of broader definition of diversity such as age, race and ethnicity is emphasized. The quota for the State Committee Person delegation is also discussed. A plan to recruit new members and potential State Committee Person candidates to meet these goals and demographics will be distributed through a survey. An update on the success in curing rejected abortion amendment petitions is also shared. Details on how to get involved in these initiatives are provided. 00:14 Introduction and Overview 00:33 Changes in the Florida Democratic Party Voting System 01:01 Emphasizing Diversity in the State Committee 01:43 Survey and Recruitment Plan for Diversity and Inclusion 02:06 Success in Curing Rejected Abortion Amendment Petitions 02:33 Call to Action and Contact Information 02:38 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

In the first episode with new interim County Chair, Jim Rosinus, Political Perspectives discusses several transitions in the Democratic Party of Lee County, including new content for their podcast. Rosinus emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election year, as well as the ongoing project to protect abortion rights. The Party highlights community involvement opportunities, such as running for local office and volunteering in various capacities. Details regarding contributions, monthly meetings, and reaching out for further information are provided. The podcast concludes by encouraging continued support for the Democratic Party of Lee County. 00:14 Introduction and Welcome 00:42 Message from the New Interim County Chair 01:16 Opportunities for Local Political Involvement 01:43 Urgent Project: Protecting Abortion Rights 02:27 Call for Volunteers and Training Opportunities 02:48 Upcoming Meetings and Elections 03:15 Supporting the Democratic Party of Lee County 03:47 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis called a special session of the legislature this week. Iran sanctions, more money for security to Jewish schools, and band-aid wind mitigation efforts to stem the insurance crisis are on the docket. This al comes as the third GOP presidential debate is happen and a downtrodden DeSantis looks to use Florida to bolster his record. Democrats se this as a waste of time, money, an solely for political posturing.

September 28, 2023 was the one year anniversary of the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Lee County was the hardest hit and is still reeling from the storm. Several events were held around Southwest Florida to commemorate the day and celebrate resiliency. Chair of the Democratic Party of Florida, Nikki Fried, attended events on Fort Myers Beach and with students at Florida Gulf Coast University. Watch clips from the event and reflections on the day here.

As the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian approaches, people in Lee County are looking back at the storm and its aftermath. Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner, discusses the event with Kathy Chumley of Pine Island ROAR. Pine Island was particularly hard hit during Hurricane Ian where people are still struggling with insurance companies and getting their lives back on track, including many people leaving the area altogether.

Filmed live from outside the US Capitol in Washington, DC, Host and Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner, reflects on 22 years after September 11th. She notes that it's patriotic to serve your country, and that includes voting and running for office. However, the Congressional Representative from Southwest Florida, Byron Donalds, is too busy serving himself. We remember the heroes of 9/11 and we keep fighting for America.

Chair Kari Lerner of the Democratic Party of Lee County reflects on the meaning of liberty and justice for all. She notes that it is built on the principles of equality and inclusion. Chair Lerner then reflects on the recent events in Fort Myers celebrating Women's Equality Day and the anniversary of the March on Washington.

Chair Kari Lerner reflects on the anniversary of the March on Washington and Women's Equality Day. Local events in Fort Myers gathered people to commemorate the days and reinvigorate the fight for equality. Much has been accomplished and there is still work to do, especially in Florida where attacking diversity and inclusion is part of far-right politics.

Chair of the Lee County Democratic Party, Kari Lerner, takes a look at the record of Congressman Byron Donalds, who is supposed to serve the county. She points out his failed Hurricane Ian response and puzzling focus on nuclear energy. Chair Lerner asks if he is using Southwest Florida as a stepping stone.

So many people across Florida are struggling to pay their insurance if their insurance company hasn't dropped them already. Republicans in the state legislature passed making it harder to sue insurance companies if they bilk you. Recent comments from State Senator Jonathan Martin highlight the callous attitude many Republican legislators have towards those caught in the insurance crush. Hear more about the insurance crisis in Florida and what needs to be done about it from Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner.

Chair of the Democratic Party of Lee County, Kari Lerner, and special guest, Dr. Cindy Banyai, talk about the importance of vote by mail. They discuss how Republicans in the Florida legislature have passed laws booting voters from vote by mail as a voter suppression tactic. The importance of having a voting plan and researching candidates when the ballot is sent to your home is also emphasized.

A thriving democracy needs all sorts of people to run for office. Have you ever thought of running? Check out this video to see who should run for office in Florida and how. In Lee County, Florida? Click here to see the seats up for election in 2024.

As the 2024 election gets closer, everyone should be registering for vote by mail. It is an easy way to make sure you have flexibility in your plan to vote. Listen to this episode of Political Perspectives to hear more about why vote by mail is important and how you can sign up for yours. This is a must listen for all Florida Democrats! Lee County voters sign-up here. Everyone else can find their voter registration information here.

Host Kari Lerner has a conversation with Democratic Political Strategist Alison Morano on what worked for Democrats in the past in Florida. They revisit the behavioral economic strategy employed by Obama to drive voter registration and how similar tactics could work today.