TEMPLATE PROVIDED AT THE END.  JUST COPY/PASTE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR EMAIL

"Let me share something I've learned and that most constituents aren't always aware of.

Reps have only 6 slots for bills and filing one does NOT guarantee it will ever move or be heard. This process requires strategy and forethought. The "life" of this bill is at the discretion of the Committee Chair and the overall agenda and vision of the Speaker of the House.

Once filed and assigned to a committee, it is customary to "work" your bill. This "work" is done in lunchrooms, hallways, correspondence, etc. It is customary to send a letter to the Chair regarding YOUR bill and urging them to please place it on the agenda to be heard.

This week I sent the letter pictured to Representative Heather Fitzenhagen, who is the Chair of the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. It is not the norm to send a letter on behalf of someone else's bill but by now you've probably caught on that I don't fit the norm.

For those wondering why I did NOT put this bill forward - it was never going to be heard!! I did NOT want to do this for show. I did NOT want to waste an opportunity putting forward a frivolous piece of legislation. If anyone is interested in having a conversation about the pettiness that occurs in our State Capitol please feel free to reach out to me. I had hoped that most would've had faith that I was being smart and strategic.

I stepped out of the way the moment the Town of Miami Lakes announced that a BILL was being put forward. They have the majority in the House, the majority in the Senate and as we've been told several times, the Speaker of the House is a resident of Miami Lakes. 
There is a reason why I'm not included in these talks. There is a reason why a Freshman Republican Representative that is NOT from this area has sponsored this bill. 
This means there is NO reason for this BILL to not move. So why has it NOT been placed on the agenda for next week??

***This week is almost certainly the LAST time this subcommittee will meet***

(Bet that hasn't been shared with all of you)

I know many of you have participated in meetings either as board members or attendees over the last 60 days. Some of you have been working on this issue for years and I thank all of you for your hard work. But I’m asking today for one more thing…

Please do as I have done and reach out to Chair Fitzenhagen, Vice Chair Mariano, Ranking Member Newton, and Speaker Oliva to request that HB 1189 be placed on the agenda and heard by the House Business and Professions Subcommittee. (Email addresses and a sample letter can be found below in the comments).

I also suggest that you reference my letter to the Chairwoman asking for the bill to be heard and that you let her know that I am your Representative.

Always in Service,
Rep Polo"

TEMPLATE:

To: Heather.Fitzenhagen@myfloridahouse.gov

Cc: Amber.Mariano@myfloridahouse.gov,
Newt.Newton@myfloridahouse.gov,
Jose.Oliva@myfloridahouse.gov, nomoreblastingrivieraisles@yahoo.com

Subject: HB 1189 - Mine Blasting

Chair Fitzenhagen:

I am one of many residents being negatively affected by the mine blasting in Northwest Dade. Representative Ana Maria Rodriguez has sponsored HB 1189, an essential first step to resolving this destructive issue. 

I join in on the request of Representative Cindy Polo, in pleading that this BILL be placed on the agenda. This is a non-partisan issue and for decades we have hoped for a resolution. Please help provide this for us. 

With gratitude,

________________

Thank you for your support!

No More Blasting