SARASOTA – “We’re mid-way through session this year lots of big things going on. I want to talk about my priorities but I also want to hear the priorities of my constituents and what’s important to them as we head into these final weeks,” said Florida State Senator Joe Gruters.
More than 200 people filled the Venice Community Center to speak with Senator Gruters on his views and proposed bills he wants push into action. The main focal points of discussion were sanctuary cities and his red tide initiative. He has proposed bills on both.
“First and foremost its sanctuary cities. I’m the senator that’s really pushing hard to ban sanctuary cities and jurisdictions in the state of Florida, it’s all about following the rule of law, it’s not about immigration policy that’s at the federal level this is about following the laws that are on the books today,” said Senator Gruters.
Leader of Englewood Indivisible Jane Hunter has is doubtful of the Senators Gruters proposed ban on sanctuary cities in Florida.
“I think it’s a dog whistle bill that gets people who are not kindly exposed to people of color to get all excited,” said Hunter.
Senator Gruters plans to combat Red Tide is to include providing more funds to MOTE Marine Labs. Director for Hands Along the Water Samantha Gentrup had some concerns regarding the senators bill.
“This institution, MOTE, has controlled the narrative that red tide is completely natural. They’ve been accused of squashing science and they do receive funding from Mosaic,” said Gentrup. “These are concerns the public has, so what I wanted to ask him is why MOTE has a monopoly on our taxes, why our tax money is all going to MOTE.”
Others including Venice resident James Hahn liked what he heard.
“I was interested hearing his positions, I was impressed by the bills that he is supporting, I was impressed he was willing and had actually changed his mind on a couple issues once he learned more of the facts,” said Hahn.
Policies also discussed at the meeting were about Underground Utilities and the E-Fairness Tax Overhaul. The senator plans on continuing to hold more town hall meetings in the future.
