April 1, 2026 • 53 mins
Florida: Should the Legislature be Full-Time? necessary & efficient? Political Scientist Chris Muro
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
While the twenty twenty sixth Florida Legislative Session ended in March,
the work was not completed, and that's prompted some to
suggest that we've outgrown the part time legislative model and
need a full time legislature. Welcome to the Weekend in
this edition of the Florida Round Table. I'm Bill Mick.
You can catch up with me and our podcasts at
billmick dot com. Joining me this weekend frequent Florida Round
(00:24):
Table contributor political scientist Chrismuro. Our legislature is anything but
part time, but is making it full time the direction
to go. By the time twenty twenty six is legislating
is done, lawmakers will have met over much of twenty
twenty five contemplating redistricting, holding committee weeks and at least
one and likely multiple special sessions. It will amount to
(00:46):
nearly year round work for a part time job paying
twenty nine thousand dollars a year. Join me as Chris
Muro joins us here on the Florida round Table on
the Florida News Network.
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Speaker 1 (03:05):
Nice have you with us this weekend on the Florida
round Table. I'm Bill, Mick Chris Murro was with us
and Chris. Something came up over the last week or
so that I found pretty interesting and I wanted to
get your thoughts on it. There are suggestions that since
the legislature has not come up with a budget two
years in a row now, that maybe a sixty day
(03:26):
session is not enough, that we should have a full
time legislature, and that would mean massive changes on many ways.
So I just wanted to explore that with you today.
Thanks for coming. It's good to have you along.
Speaker 6 (03:39):
Bill.
Speaker 7 (03:39):
Great to see you. Always a pleasure to be in
the studio with young.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Well, this is a Jeffrey Sweer story from the Orlando Sentinel,
and I think you need a good job putting the
story together. A diverse population, twenty three million people in
the state are budget one hundred and fifteen billion dollars
or thereabouts annually. He says, complicated, unsolved problems that are
going on, and he says we might have outgrown this
part time citizen legislature. He quotes Bob Jarvis, a law
(04:07):
professor at Nova Southeastern. He says, it's structurally set up
to fail. How you view it in just an overview
real quickly? Yeah, five minutes in his first Yeah.
Speaker 7 (04:19):
So, as of late, Bill Mark Twain has been quoted
often in the last couple of weeks. What the first
quote he's been We've seen in the media quite a
bit is God gave Americans war to teach them about geography. Okay,
So that was a Mark twainism, if you will. Okay,
(04:42):
There's another one that comes to mind, all right, and
that is he said that no man's life, liberty, or
property is safe while the legislature.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Is in session. I kind of like it.
Speaker 7 (04:56):
It's another twainism, and it kind of reminds me of that,
And I think there's a lot of truth in jest.
And in this particular case, having a full time legislature
just means inviting lots more spending, lots more control of
(05:17):
our lives, giving them more opportunity to pass more laws.
The principle behind this is that the more laws that
are passed, the better. My view on things is the
fewer laws that are passed, the better off we are.
So just having laws passed for the sake of having
(05:41):
the ability to add more text to our code of laws,
that to me is not appealing.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, and I'm with you there at least in theory.
The other side of that is, are we pretending we
don't have a full time legislature now, because in all honesty,
this legislature has been working since twenty five, since the
early in the fault, well through the summer. They worked
on committees on redistricting because the governor said that's going
(06:08):
to be a priority. The House went and worked on that.
Then they have committee weeks. They started going up in
September for things. By the time this is all done,
after you count the overtime session from last year, they
will have been basically in Tallahassee for a year with
a few weeks off.
Speaker 8 (06:25):
Right.
Speaker 7 (06:25):
Well, that's true, Bill, But those states that are considered
there's only a handful of states that are considered to
be full time legislators California, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
And missing from that group the third largest state in
the Union, which is us.
Speaker 6 (06:44):
Right, Do we want to be in that company.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Not run by those people?
Speaker 6 (06:48):
No.
Speaker 7 (06:49):
But you got to remember though, is that you know
the same people are not always in charge perpetually, so
there will be a change. So when that, it's like
getting rid of the filibuster. You want it to get
rid of it now to get a short term goal.
But when you're in the minority, you're going to be
begging for that to be back that. Well, yeah, you know,
you've got to be careful what you wish for. So
(07:12):
I don't I think you know. Listen, you've got California,
New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, all these states are in drastic
dire economic situation. Yes, they've got major deficits. They don't
have big surpluses like we do. Right, So again, I
think getting in full time just for the sake of
being able to pass more laws, I think is a problem.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
I'm not sure that that's the reason, just to pass
more laws, to be honest, And we're going to discuss
that as we continue. But is two months enough to
get the job done? It hasn't been two years in
a row, at least as far as the budget goes.
So where's that going to go? Where's it going to
take us? That's what we explore today on the Florida
round Table. Nice to have you with us here on
(07:55):
the Florida News Network. We continue in just moments.
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Speaker 1 (10:05):
Back on the Florida round Table with political scientists Chris
muro As, we discussed the idea of whether Florida should
consider a full time legislature Number one. I think we're
pretending if we don't think we have one now, that
job doesn't stop when they come home, even if they
successfully got out in in sixty days, which they haven't
done now for two years in a row. But I mean,
(10:26):
there's constituent work that goes on. There is always people
wanting to interact with the state or the state offices.
But is two months enough in Tallahassee Chris to get
the job done that we're asking him to do it?
Speaker 6 (10:38):
I think it is. Bill.
Speaker 7 (10:39):
And the reason is I'm saying this, I'm going back
to this point is if you have a six month
or seven month or nine month session, there's nothing else
for them to do but pass more laws.
Speaker 6 (10:51):
That's what they do.
Speaker 7 (10:53):
The beauty of our system is we've got sixty days
to pass a budget. That's all you have to do.
If it doesn't get done in the sixty day, what's
the remedy. The remedy is a special session that can
be called by the governor or by the Speaker and
the President of the Senate. But the special session. What's
beautiful about our special sessions Bill? And they're short the
(11:16):
twenty days, and they have specific areas and that's all
they can govern in you see these open sessions. They
can regulate and govern any area we don't want that
we want if we need a special session just to
deal with the budget, just to deal with immigration reform,
(11:38):
whatever it might be we get a special session, and
it's for that purpose only, so it's not a blank
check for the legislature to introduce all kinds of topics
and all kinds of issues. It keeps it narrow and
it keeps it focused, and that's better for the people.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
I understand the concern, and I like the sound of
what you're saying. Reality is, they're working a lot anyway,
and they're going to Tallahassee for multiple reasons, meetings, committee weeks,
whatever it may be. And is there a tweak that
might make the system better than it is even if
you're not in Tallahassee. Let's say you call this a
(12:18):
full time legislature, but they're not in Tallahassee full time.
They go up for a lawmaking session, they go for
a special if they need it, and they're dealing with
constituent services and other things. If they're back in their
home district. Is it better if we can force them
into a home district situation, even though that might be
their full time job, twenty nine grand a year for
the job they're doing, it's not worth that money. I
(12:41):
got it that well.
Speaker 7 (12:42):
I would say, Bill, there is a reform that should
be done and considered here in Florida, and that is Yeah.
I think the current situation, the way it's set up,
is it really only allows people who are financially independent
that they don't have to have another full time job.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
That narrows the field.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
It does, and most people can't afford to take off
go to Tallahassee for a week, much less for months.
I mean, they might take a vacation and go somewhere,
but they can't go up there and work for sixty
days straight or for committee weeks and everything that goes.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
So twenty nine thousand dollars salary, somebody's not going to
be able to do. I'm going to put my business
on hold for four years or six years or eight years,
or I'm going to give up this position to.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Serve you uses, it's not you can a family that way.
Speaker 6 (13:35):
You can't. You can't.
Speaker 7 (13:36):
So what I do believe we need to do is
we do need to make the pay more competitive and
more market oriented so that it attracts more people, better
people to want to serve in the position. And that
would mean making this a salary situation that's more competitive
like the free market. Okay, So for example, I would
(13:59):
prepare perhaps something around like the median household income would
be the base salary. So let's say eighty three thousand
dollars per year for a legislator.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Okay, and then but you wouldn't change the sessions or
any no, no, no, no, no no no.
Speaker 7 (14:14):
The session, the part time session is great. Sixty days
you get your budget done, and if you don't get
something done, you have those twenty days special sessions, all right,
and they're limited in focused so that it's not going
to give the legislature a blank check to just regulate
in all kinds of area. So I don't want to
keep that. I want to preserve that. But on the
other hand, we can get more people, more dedication, better people,
(14:39):
a broader range of people serving in our legislature if
the pay was more competitive and reflected the market realities.
So I'm thinking eighty three thousand base salary with a
cost of living adjustment every year to keep up with inflation,
and that way it would be able to lure more
(15:00):
people into service. Now here's the problem. Okay, how often
do people vote on increasing their own pay as far
as legislators.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Go, Well, and that's it. That's one of the items
miss mentioned in the story. Let me see if I
can find that the politics of a pay raise, because
when you're voting to raise your own salary, people remember
that come election day and they will use it as
a derogatory campaign mailer or talking point to say he
(15:36):
voted himself a payer. And that's usually coming from somebody
who hasn't been in that job.
Speaker 6 (15:41):
Okay, exactly, exactly.
Speaker 7 (15:43):
So yeah, just the average voter hears increasing the salary
for the without even knowing it's only twenty nine thousand.
If you ask the average voter, should we increase the
salary for the state legislator, they would have a visceral
reaction against that, not even knowing it's.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Only twenty nine Yeah, I believe that's true.
Speaker 7 (16:02):
So you know, the idea here is is we have
to get the people to vote for the salary change.
And what you do is is you put it in
the form of an amendment. And I know you and
I are an agreement on this. We don't like direct
democracy as a first response.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Bill, no, not at all, but I think that this
in this.
Speaker 7 (16:21):
Situation, let's put it on the ballot to enshrine this
in the constitution. The pay structure for state legislatures and
legislators in here in Florida, and have the people vote
on that amendment. Have the people adopt that amendment to make.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
It that could be one amendment where they would they
would opt to vote no first. Normally they'll vote yes first.
Speaker 7 (16:45):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Well, it's going to have to be
sold and we have to make the case. But if
if the case can be made that we would bring
in a different class of legislator or somebody that's more
of what we would call an average citizen rather than
more than fifty percent of the legislators have a million
dollar plus, right, you know.
Speaker 6 (17:07):
Net worth.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Well Swears talks in his piece about Senator Lorie Berman,
a Democrat out of South Florida, who introduced legislation three
years in a row to have a budget analysis done
on lawmaker raises, but those died in committee. They won't
even get him to consideration here. She said, people are
afraid they won't get re elected if they ask for
a raise. Representative Bruce Antne, Democrat out of Orlando, said
(17:32):
he filed companion bills in the House he saw the
same results. He said. He first introduced a build to
raise lawmaker salaries to fifty grand a year. In two
thousand and five, Alan Bentz, the House speaker at the time,
said it was a great idea, but it wasn't going
to make it. He wouldn't make his members vote on it.
They just they are afraid of the politic and we've
(17:55):
created that situation where the job the legislature legislator thinks
he has is to be re elected, as opposed to
do one what's right. I would like to think they
could consider something like this if it's going to improve
lawmaking in the state, because right now, asking people to
make the sacrifices they make for twenty nine grand a
year not smart at all.
Speaker 7 (18:16):
I think also Bill, not only do they not want
to take a position on voting themselves to pay raise.
I tend to think that a majority of the legislature
likes the demographic that rules, that ruling demographic that's there now.
I don't think they would be enthralled with the idea
of having a broader range of demographic from different walks
(18:40):
of life, from different income levels, competing for legislative seats.
I don't think that's appealing.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
So we're discoverned by the elites or of course we are.
Speaker 6 (18:50):
We always have been and seems like we always will be.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Have you ever seen a legislature fail to come up
with a budget in time?
Speaker 7 (19:01):
I mean it has happened, but it's very rare, and
certainly not two sessions concurrently, So that that is that
is something that's rare, particularly when the same party controls
the levers of power.
Speaker 6 (19:18):
You would you if you've.
Speaker 7 (19:19):
Seen this in states where there's been a split legislature
where the House and the Senate are different parties. Sure,
that's more common. But to have one party dominance and
being able to be able to not pass the most
basic function of government, this is I think we're an
unprecedented territory.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Schweer's reports in his story that if they don't get
a budget done by July first, the state goes into
a partial government shutdown. Any idea what that looks like?
Speaker 7 (19:49):
I believe I don't think we've got any precedent for that.
That's what I'm saying. We're in this unprecedented, unchartered territory
and what it's going to look like. I think there's
a lot of open quest questions here.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Bill.
Speaker 7 (20:02):
Will the governor be able to have a stop gap
and be able to use funds and pound funds from
different areas to keep certain government services and functions going
and open for the public. I think there's a lot
of unanswered questions here, Bill, but I would agree there's
one thing I would like to see added. If we
(20:23):
are going to increase the salary for a state legislators,
I do think that there's something that could make it
more palatable for people, and that is increase their salary,
but prohibit any elected official from having any other state
(20:44):
government position. So for example, right now, yeah, they're only
making twenty nine thousand, but there are many members of
the legislature that get other state jobs, whether it's at
a state university or a state some bureaucracy. They get
a job maybe teaching one class a year for eighty
(21:06):
five thousand dollars, or they write a book for a
quarter million dollars that no one will ever read. And
that's what they're doing. They're using their position of prominence
to secure other state employment. That should be banned. If
you're an elected official, you are not eligible to receive
(21:29):
any other monies from any state agency, directly or indirectly
while you are serving in the legislature because I think
that there is a situation here where legislators will use
their power over the budget of a particular institution and
then they're going to get a sweetheart gig that's real
part time, and they're going to get an obscene salary
(21:51):
for that part time gig. I think that practice needs
to come to an end.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
It's like the nose show jobs from the Sopranos.
Speaker 13 (21:57):
Right.
Speaker 7 (22:00):
Exactly exactly. This isn't fiction though. That's the problem is
this is real.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
Is the idea of a citizen legislature, somebody who does
go back into the community and works in the community
after their sessions die? Is that short sighted these days?
Does it not fit? We're what we'd like to see.
I mean, are we being naive and thinking we could
do this well?
Speaker 7 (22:21):
I mean we like the concept of a citizen legislature,
But like you pointed out, Bill, they're already meeting for
the sixty day session. But that's not the end of
the story. Like you said, there's committee hearings, committee meetings,
there's areas where they have to draft legislation, and that
takes time. Plus you've got the special sessions and you've
got constituent services. So this is already a full time job,
(22:47):
but with part time pay right. So we want citizens,
but we need better pay scale.
Speaker 1 (22:54):
And we continue the Florida Round Table in moments here
on the Florida News Network.
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Speaker 1 (27:04):
Bill Mick With chris muro looking at. The legislature should
it go? Full time should it be? Better paid because
we're asking them to do a lot for very. Little
money comes down to me maybe a couple, Of, OPTIONS
chris a part time legislature that isn't really, part time
or a full time legislature that won't really be full
time either they're talking eighty percent of a full time
(27:26):
job in. The article or maybe a, third option as you,
brought up pay them more for what they're doing right
now and keep that system. Very similar if you had
to sum, it up what would you want to?
Speaker 7 (27:38):
Say, THERE yeah i like the structure the way it
is now with the sixty day session and then allowing
for special sessions that are limited in their scope and
what they can. LEGISLATE on i think that that's the
way to keep that, in place but let's bring in
if we really want to citizen, the legislature it's not
going to be. The elite we're going to make this
something where many people from all walks of life can
(27:59):
can pete to serve in their. State legislature and the
only way to do that is to increase the salary
so that people can give up a particular job or
put their business on hold so that they can serve
and take care of their families. As well and that's
just that's the. Modern REALITY so i think we need
to recognize those things and then keep the best of the,
(28:21):
citizen legislature which is.
Speaker 1 (28:23):
Where they're back in the community and they're living with
what they the laws they make, that's right.
Speaker 7 (28:27):
That's right and able to provide constituent services. As well
you know that they can be there to answer. The
questions those demands are. Year round they are.
Speaker 1 (28:35):
Year, round yeah that's very. Very, true well we'll see
how it all, plays out given. The opportunity want to
move on to some other things while we're taking advantage
of your. Time today one of the, governor's priorities and
this Was An anthony mann story From The South Florida.
Sun sentinel the governor wants state regulations for. Artificial intelligence
(28:56):
and one of the things that got my attention here
over recent Weeks is i'm seeing situations Where these republicans
we elect seem to want more and. More control had
an example just in the last week Where The attorney
general came out and TOLD the nfl that how they
hire coaches and other staff is illegal in the State.
(29:17):
Of Florida and, i'm thinking if that Is not david
Taking on goliath Without the, LORD'S backing i don't know,
what IS because i don't know that there's a more
powerful entity business wise across the globe THAN. The nfl
And If I'm, ROGER goodell i laugh when the letter,
comes in hand it to my lawyers, and say will
(29:38):
you handle this guy? For me but we're wanting to,
control things putting our fingers deep into business that we shouldn't,
be doing and the state wants to control a lot of.
Local issues we're seeing and hearing a lot, of that
from how you rent a airbnbs or those types of
situations to growth man. Management issues some of it's because
(30:02):
the local governments don't handle. It well But these republicans
claiming conservatism, when elected all of, a sudden see power in?
What Control and i'm seeing that as. A.
Speaker 7 (30:14):
Problem yeah well there's an old, saying bill, Power corrupts
absolute power corrupts, Absolutely, right lord acton and it still is.
Applicable today, and well that does seem to be a
thing bill that, you know we talk one game about
limiting governmental power and limiting governmental interference in our lives
and freedom and all the rest. Of it but when
those folks get into those levers, of power the it's
(30:38):
it's irresistible and so wanting to have control and to
make remake the world in their. Own image it seems
like it's just something that temptation is.
Speaker 6 (30:47):
Too, great well.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
They've been having trouble keeping up with cybersecurity and trying
to properly secure, state websites, state systems. County systems and
if they're not keeping up on the, Security side i'm
not sure they're educated enough to stay ahead of. The
law ON the, ai side it's a, growing industry it's a,
(31:10):
growing technology and it's changing.
Speaker 6 (31:12):
Every, day well, you know here's.
Speaker 7 (31:13):
THE thing i think this is the great debate now because,
You Know ronda santis he put a lot of effort
behind GETTING His ai Bill of rights as he, called
it And the senate did carry, the water but it
died In The state house because, The Speaker dan perez
was not.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Going In the trump camp if, You, will, well Yeah
the president wants this as a nationally controlled thing as
opposed to fifty different sets of regulations across.
Speaker 19 (31:41):
The.
Speaker 7 (31:41):
Country right, so yeah so you know on, that question,
YOU know i kind of my INSTINCT is i want
to come down on the side of each state determining,
for itself because each state has different values and, they have,
you know different ideas of what is right and what
is wrong and how to techt our children and things of.
(32:02):
That nature so, you know My instinct bill is, to
say let's let the states do this and let's have.
That patchwork And if virginia is, more hospit, you know INVITING,
of AI then ai companies will Move. To virginia and
if They think florida's laws are, too cumbersome then they
(32:23):
won't bring their data Centers. To florida and that's the
competition of our system. Of federalism and So then florida
will have to make a decision do we change and
alter our laws to BRING in ai companies and technology to,
our state or do we have it.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
More, restrictive well the technology is going to advance regardless
of where, it lands where it's, companies are where the developers. Are,
Located TRUE but i.
Speaker 7 (32:49):
Mean for the infrastructure and availability and infrastructure and things
of that nature and jobs associated.
Speaker 1 (32:55):
With that do you put yourself in a position as
a state then of falling by behind in technology which
is going to mean falling behind in jobs when jobs
start disappearing because we've made things so much easier in
one respect, or another are we on the short end of?
Speaker 7 (33:12):
That, stick well, you know maybe initially, It's, True bill
but that's the beauty of the legislature is that they
can much easier THAN The us congress amending. Current legislation
it's a lot easier at the state. Legislative level so
if there is something that needs to be tweaked, or
improved that can.
Speaker 6 (33:32):
Be DONE but i.
Speaker 7 (33:33):
Do think there's a legitimate argument in that there's a
lot of unknowns here on many. DIFFERENT levels, i mean
look at all of the mental, health crises as the
media would, tell us among our children because of Exposure
to Facebook. And snapchat imagine the possibilities of mental health
(33:58):
issues BECAUSE.
Speaker 6 (33:59):
Of, ai well we've.
Speaker 1 (34:01):
Seen it we have seen it with these chatbots that
develop a relationship of sorts with. The USER and i
saw a television drama just a few weeks ago where
a medical condition was exacerbated because this person was in
this relationship in her mind WITH this ai and it
(34:25):
started affecting her decision ended up negatively impacting. Her health very,
interesting STORY and i can't relate it all to you.
A year another thing that came out in this story
is that polling around the state shows almost nine out
of ten favor having a state law. On this, BUT
again i wonder if we're smart enough to know if
(34:47):
that's the. Right decision do we know enough about? This,
yet well.
Speaker 7 (34:51):
Again there's so, Many, Unknowns BILL but i think what
we've seen so far is the potential, for misuse not
only among, you know the youth being, you know drawn
into having relationships with robots and all the rest. Of
IT but i don't know if you Saw The milania
(35:14):
trump first lady introducing this new robot walking down a
runway with. A, robot yeah you've got to go to
YouTube and check out. That video so introducing a. NEW robot,
i mean this person was this robot was talking like
it was an invited guest At The. White house and,
(35:35):
so again, you know it's all, very odd it's all very,
strange built and there's a lot of. Unknowns here so,
you know, SOME states, i think are going to be
very lax and lenient. On regulation other states will be.
More restrictive and then they're going to find a happy
medium and they're going to tweak and amend those things
as we get more information and as. Time GOES and
i think that's the beauty of federalism is it allows
(35:58):
the states to experiment and to innovate and to see
what policies work and what policies. Don't work and the
policies that work will be replicated and imitated by, other
jurisdictions and those that don't work will. Be ISOLATED and
i think that that's the beauty of our system.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
Of government are we seeing a situation where the state
is stepping in and usurping a parental role here we
talk about, protecting kids and it's a great thing to
talk about and it's what we as parents all want.
To do is it incumbent on the state to provide
that kind.
Speaker 7 (36:35):
Of, protection well, YOU know i kind of agree, With.
YOU bill, i mean, you know a few years ago
we're passing laws to restrict Access. To facebook if you're
under sixteen and you can't have. THIS account i agree
with you one hundred. Percent here that's not the role.
Of government that is the role of. The parents but,
you know there is some evidence out there that parents
are abdicating their role and they're using technology as a
(36:58):
babysitter or a, a pacifier, you know.
Speaker 1 (37:01):
To, keep okay that started out in my generation where
mom and dad plopped in front of. THE television i
thank god we had bugs money at, the, time, right yeah.
Speaker 6 (37:08):
Exactly exactly the good old day, is, runner.
Speaker 1 (37:12):
Yeah. Coyote YEAH and i haven't dropped an anvil on
anybody my. Entire life are you sure? About that, i'm positive,
all RIGHT although i might, have plans you, never, Know, right.
Speaker 7 (37:22):
Well, YOU know i hear what you, Say, It bill
but remember back in, our day well, your day, you
know eight HOURS of tv was going to be, you
know the Death of. Western civilization but now they've got,
you know they're, you know they're they're on their devices
all they're waking hours and so you know that's not
a positive. DEVELOPMENT either i think there could be some role,
(37:44):
for government but it should be. Extremely limited, All.
Speaker 1 (37:47):
Right we'll see how it. Plays out should it make
it into a special session or wait on. Next year
we'll see how. That goes and we've got other ground
to cover as we continue on. The roundtable, in moments
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(38:11):
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Ice cream it's not too good to. Be true it's just.
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four two five eighty. Five Fifty The Florida round table
(40:04):
continues here On The Florida. News network catch up with
me and with our podcast of the Show at billmick.
Dot Com chris mirro with me, this week political scientist
and we are have some local barometers on what the
midterms could be. Looking. Like chris just a week or,
so ago we had three special elections in the State,
(40:25):
of FLORIDA and i Think the republicans were a little
surprised by what.
Speaker 7 (40:29):
Happened there democrats picked up two of the Three Seats
senate district fourteen that was Vacated By Lieutenant Governor jay
collins who's now running, for governor and had a seat
Down In south florida that happens to Encompass Mar. A, lago.
Speaker 1 (40:47):
Yes boy was that big flashy news for. The day.
It was, it was.
Speaker 7 (40:51):
It was but, you, Know Again, Mike johnson speaker Of,
the house, you know keeps saying that a special election
is just that it's a. Special election it's not really
an indicator of a normal. General election AND typically i
would agree with. That sentiment, the, problem though is now
it's thirty two special Elections that democrats have won and
(41:14):
only four have been Won. By republicans and we're not
Talking about Virginia And new Jersey And New. York city
we're Talking, About, Texas, arkansas florida states where that.
Speaker 6 (41:26):
Shouldn't.
Speaker 7 (41:27):
Happen bill so at, this point when you've got thirty two,
to four it's time to acknowledge there's a trend.
Speaker 1 (41:35):
Developing, Here okay republican you look at this all the
time as a. Political scientist you see. These trends you
see how the waves come and ebb. And flow is this?
Amounting wave is that what?
Speaker 7 (41:47):
We're seeing what we are Seeing that democrats. Definitely have
there's an, enthusiasm Gap that democrats are much, more jazzed
and they're coming out and. Turning out as a matter,
of fact in the state OF The us, senate primaries
it had the highest Turnout for democrats Ever in.
Speaker 1 (42:07):
Texas history what do you attribute? That to is it orange?
Man bad the Hatred?
Speaker 13 (42:13):
For?
Speaker 1 (42:13):
TRUMP well i.
Speaker 7 (42:15):
Think, that well what Are the republicans going to run
on bill for twenty? Twenty six what do We got
we've got A. Stalled, congress well we've got the big
beautiful bill right which did some very, good things which
did some great things for averaged middle. Class taxpayers that was.
Speaker 1 (42:34):
Very important you've got immigration that has been properly addressed
and then griped about for. Enforcement tactics but as far
as the flow of illegals into, the country it's been stemmed.
VERY strong i.
Speaker 7 (42:48):
Got you but, you, know listen you know the. Ice
situation the president was above water on his approval of
handling immigration and.
Speaker 14 (42:56):
He's.
Speaker 7 (42:57):
Underwater, now okay so the ice, you, know yeah there,
was victory but it's no longer seen as a victory
because now the people have Soured on trump's handling.
Speaker 1 (43:05):
Of immigration i've Always said republicans were poor. At messaging
is that what we're? Facing, here well that's part of.
Speaker 7 (43:11):
It too but, you, know listen the look wasn't a
good look from what came Out, Of. Minneapolis minnesota it's
not a. Good look it's a. Police state it's not
the kind of look that.
Speaker 1 (43:21):
You WANT so i mentioned the lieutenant Governor's former, senate
seat and even he said this week that the twenty
six percent Turnout that republicans had is just not going to.
Cut it Can the republicans in the state or around
the country engender that turnout to get them?
Speaker 7 (43:36):
Out, there well you got to look at the last
TWO preceding midtermska twenty twenty two and. TWENTY eighteen, a
right how'd? We do twenty eighteen was a blood Bath. For,
republicans okay, Twenty Eighteen donald trump lost thirty eight Seats.
In congress that was a net loss of thirty eight Seats,
(43:57):
in congress lost control Of, the house lost control Of.
The senate then we fast forward to twenty. Twenty Two
joe biden is, in office we have a disastrous, Inflation.
Speaker 6 (44:11):
Rate we've got.
Speaker 7 (44:12):
Vaccine mandates that should have been a major. Red wave
but What Happened bill republicans underperformed in a. Big way
we didn't take Back the senate in twenty.
Speaker 1 (44:25):
Twenty two was that also a turnout issue, or.
Speaker 6 (44:28):
Well it was a.
Speaker 7 (44:29):
Turnout issue democrats turned out in. Higher numbers and also
it was a candidate. Quality issue don't Forget, herschel walker
don't forget Doctor oz blake McMasters. In arizona all these
candidates that were disastrous Candidates that, trump endorsed and he
didn't do it because they were the, best candidates is
(44:50):
because they were going to be loyal, yes men and
those candidates all went down. In flames what should have
been a massive Pickup. For republics We, lost georgia We,
lost arizona We. Lost pennsylvania those states should have been,
easy pickups and we Lost to fetterman and we lost
(45:13):
again With, herschel Walker and georgia.
Speaker 1 (45:16):
May end up being a blessing in disguise the way he, Talks,
like well it depends on, some issues just on some Here.
In florida The incoming speaker Of the house said that
special election timing was, an Issue and i'm reading that as.
An excuse your job is to get the, message out
and the timing. The elections what it Is the democrats
managed to? Turn out why Didn't.
Speaker 7 (45:38):
You well if we schedule this for a month from
now or three months, From, now bill it wouldn't have made. A.
Difference okay what we're seeing is is That the republicans
are on the ropes and there's a number of indicators
that we should.
Speaker 6 (45:49):
Be worried and.
Speaker 1 (45:51):
We'll continue on that front when the roundtable continues here
On The Florida. News network.
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The time my son had a full blown.
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Of nowhere the unsettling thing about some SYMPTOMS is i had.
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Terrible headaches you don't always know what's.
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To cockroachrillergens threats to your health can come from. Unexpected
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the Florida round table for, This Week bill Mick With
chris Mirro, and chris as we consider the mid terms
(49:07):
before we look at the national side, of it how
the midterms Look in florida as far as, you're concerned
what we old twenty seven of twenty, eight seats twenty
six of, twenty seven whatever that.
Speaker 7 (49:18):
Number, is well right now we have twenty twenty seats
out of. Twenty eight maybe with this redistricting that they're planning,
on doing if that goes through in the, special session
that might boost us up to twenty five out of,
twenty eight. PERHAPS pergus i wouldn't hold your breath on,
that though but that is the midterm redistricting mid decade
(49:38):
rather redistricting is an unknown variable that could have. An
INFLUENCE but i think right now build the generic poll
Is showing democrats up by, six points meaning who are
you going to? Vote For a democrat Or a republican
which has been the most accurate poll of any poll
for the past. Forty years how.
Speaker 1 (49:55):
Does that translate the number of seats or do we? Know,
yet well who's going to end?
Speaker 7 (49:59):
Up control and right now you're talking about two nineteen
to two, Sixteen, bill okay so it only takes two
eighteen to be. A majority we're not saying you don't
need twenty thirty seats to pick. Up here all you
need is ten or twelve and you've got.
Speaker 1 (50:12):
Your majority do you See The florida delegation? CHANGING substantially.
Speaker 7 (50:16):
I don't I Think florida republicans are gonna. Be fine
we're Gonna Have Governor Byron Donald's ashley moody will win
election in twenty. Twenty six republicans will continue to maintain
control of the. State legislature but once we move Outside,
of florida, hmm okay because remember in twenty, TWENTY two
i mean, twenty eighteen Pill remember Ron. De santis that
was a terrible Year for republican bad Midterm in trump's.
(50:39):
First term Ron desant is won by thirty thousand votes
out of. Ten Million Cast rick scott won his seat
by thirty three thousand votes out of ten million votes
cast raise. Or thin so we're not going to be like.
That situation but when we look Outside, of florida it's
looking Bleak.
Speaker 1 (50:56):
For republicans what's that mean For the, trump Administration that
trump agenda and getting anything OUT of dc That the
american public says that.
Speaker 7 (51:05):
We, want, Yeah, YEAH well i think after the twenty
six mid, TERM bill i Think the house is. Eighty
twenty It's going. Democratic, Control OKAY and I used i
was up until just recently saying That the senate was
going To be republican And the senate was going to
Stay in. Republican Hands now i'm saying it's a fifty
(51:26):
five percent chance it's going to be a fifty to.
Fifty split we're going To lose Maine because trump Went After.
Susan collins. She's out we've also got seats that are
on the ropes that we're. Battling for And even texas
is now considered to be a state that could possibly
(51:49):
turn blue with that contentious Race Between john Cornyn And.
Ken paxton whoever merges As the, republican candidate that's going
to mean who's going to be the Most powerful senator
after this. Midterm election, Good question Murkowski. Of alaska she's
going to be That fiftieth, republican vote.
Speaker 1 (52:09):
Swing vote she is.
Speaker 7 (52:10):
Going to Be The anthony kennedy OF The. Us senate
her vote is going to determine the direction Of the
senate and confirmation of judges and any kind of. Executive
appointments what in your mind's caused. This turn you're not gonna, Like, It,
bill okay it's the unconstitutional war that we're engaged in
(52:32):
right Now and iran this is becoming an. Unmitigated. Disaster,
bill economically the gas prices are up four to twenty
nine a gallon one hundred and six dollars. A barrel
it was sixty dollars a barrel a. Month ago, you.
Speaker 1 (52:47):
Know that's a big can of worms to throw right
at the end of. The show we're gonna have to
bring you back and maybe hash that out at. Some
Point But, chris mirral.
Speaker 6 (52:55):
It's not a, Good, look bill it's not a.
Speaker 1 (52:56):
Good look it's always a pleasure of. My friends thank
you for taking, the time and we'll see you next
week here On the Florida. Round table working up a
show with my former boss who's written a book about, police,
work politics. And cocaine we're trying to do that next
week On. The roundtable enjoy, Your week we'll see you
next week On The Florida. News network.
Speaker 16 (53:19):
You've been listening To The florida Roundtable With bill mey
on news and public affairs presentation Of The Florida. News
network the views and opinions expressed during this programmer those
of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of, this, station,
management owners. Or sponsors for questions, or Concerns Contact florida
(53:40):
roundtable at fnnonline.
Speaker 1 (53:42):
Dot net
While the twenty twenty sixth Florida Legislative Session ended in March,
the work was not completed, and that's prompted some to
suggest that we've outgrown the part time legislative model and
need a full time legislature. Welcome to the Weekend in
this edition of the Florida Round Table. I'm Bill Mick.
You can catch up with me and our podcasts at
billmick dot com. Joining me this weekend frequent Florida Round
(00:24):
Table contributor political scientist Chrismuro. Our legislature is anything but
part time, but is making it full time the direction
to go. By the time twenty twenty six is legislating
is done, lawmakers will have met over much of twenty
twenty five contemplating redistricting, holding committee weeks and at least
one and likely multiple special sessions. It will amount to
(00:46):
nearly year round work for a part time job paying
twenty nine thousand dollars a year. Join me as Chris
Muro joins us here on the Florida round Table on
the Florida News Network.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
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Speaker 1 (03:05):
Nice have you with us this weekend on the Florida
round Table. I'm Bill, Mick Chris Murro was with us
and Chris. Something came up over the last week or
so that I found pretty interesting and I wanted to
get your thoughts on it. There are suggestions that since
the legislature has not come up with a budget two
years in a row now, that maybe a sixty day
(03:26):
session is not enough, that we should have a full
time legislature, and that would mean massive changes on many ways.
So I just wanted to explore that with you today.
Thanks for coming. It's good to have you along.
Speaker 6 (03:39):
Bill.
Speaker 7 (03:39):
Great to see you. Always a pleasure to be in
the studio with young.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
Well, this is a Jeffrey Sweer story from the Orlando Sentinel,
and I think you need a good job putting the
story together. A diverse population, twenty three million people in
the state are budget one hundred and fifteen billion dollars
or thereabouts annually. He says, complicated, unsolved problems that are
going on, and he says we might have outgrown this
part time citizen legislature. He quotes Bob Jarvis, a law
(04:07):
professor at Nova Southeastern. He says, it's structurally set up
to fail. How you view it in just an overview
real quickly? Yeah, five minutes in his first Yeah.
Speaker 7 (04:19):
So, as of late, Bill Mark Twain has been quoted
often in the last couple of weeks. What the first
quote he's been We've seen in the media quite a
bit is God gave Americans war to teach them about geography. Okay,
So that was a Mark twainism, if you will. Okay,
(04:42):
There's another one that comes to mind, all right, and
that is he said that no man's life, liberty, or
property is safe while the legislature.
Speaker 1 (04:53):
Is in session. I kind of like it.
Speaker 7 (04:56):
It's another twainism, and it kind of reminds me of that,
And I think there's a lot of truth in jest.
And in this particular case, having a full time legislature
just means inviting lots more spending, lots more control of
(05:17):
our lives, giving them more opportunity to pass more laws.
The principle behind this is that the more laws that
are passed, the better. My view on things is the
fewer laws that are passed, the better off we are.
So just having laws passed for the sake of having
(05:41):
the ability to add more text to our code of laws,
that to me is not appealing.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
Yeah, and I'm with you there at least in theory.
The other side of that is, are we pretending we
don't have a full time legislature now, because in all honesty,
this legislature has been working since twenty five, since the
early in the fault, well through the summer. They worked
on committees on redistricting because the governor said that's going
(06:08):
to be a priority. The House went and worked on that.
Then they have committee weeks. They started going up in
September for things. By the time this is all done,
after you count the overtime session from last year, they
will have been basically in Tallahassee for a year with
a few weeks off.
Speaker 8 (06:25):
Right.
Speaker 7 (06:25):
Well, that's true, Bill, But those states that are considered
there's only a handful of states that are considered to
be full time legislators California, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
And missing from that group the third largest state in
the Union, which is us.
Speaker 6 (06:44):
Right, Do we want to be in that company.
Speaker 1 (06:46):
Not run by those people?
Speaker 6 (06:48):
No.
Speaker 7 (06:49):
But you got to remember though, is that you know
the same people are not always in charge perpetually, so
there will be a change. So when that, it's like
getting rid of the filibuster. You want it to get
rid of it now to get a short term goal.
But when you're in the minority, you're going to be
begging for that to be back that. Well, yeah, you know,
you've got to be careful what you wish for. So
(07:12):
I don't I think you know. Listen, you've got California,
New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, all these states are in drastic
dire economic situation. Yes, they've got major deficits. They don't
have big surpluses like we do. Right, So again, I
think getting in full time just for the sake of
being able to pass more laws, I think is a problem.
Speaker 1 (07:34):
I'm not sure that that's the reason, just to pass
more laws, to be honest, And we're going to discuss
that as we continue. But is two months enough to
get the job done? It hasn't been two years in
a row, at least as far as the budget goes.
So where's that going to go? Where's it going to
take us? That's what we explore today on the Florida
round Table. Nice to have you with us here on
(07:55):
the Florida News Network. We continue in just moments.
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Speaker 1 (10:05):
Back on the Florida round Table with political scientists Chris
muro As, we discussed the idea of whether Florida should
consider a full time legislature Number one. I think we're
pretending if we don't think we have one now, that
job doesn't stop when they come home, even if they
successfully got out in in sixty days, which they haven't
done now for two years in a row. But I mean,
(10:26):
there's constituent work that goes on. There is always people
wanting to interact with the state or the state offices.
But is two months enough in Tallahassee Chris to get
the job done that we're asking him to do it?
Speaker 6 (10:38):
I think it is. Bill.
Speaker 7 (10:39):
And the reason is I'm saying this, I'm going back
to this point is if you have a six month
or seven month or nine month session, there's nothing else
for them to do but pass more laws.
Speaker 6 (10:51):
That's what they do.
Speaker 7 (10:53):
The beauty of our system is we've got sixty days
to pass a budget. That's all you have to do.
If it doesn't get done in the sixty day, what's
the remedy. The remedy is a special session that can
be called by the governor or by the Speaker and
the President of the Senate. But the special session. What's
beautiful about our special sessions Bill? And they're short the
(11:16):
twenty days, and they have specific areas and that's all
they can govern in you see these open sessions. They
can regulate and govern any area we don't want that
we want if we need a special session just to
deal with the budget, just to deal with immigration reform,
(11:38):
whatever it might be we get a special session, and
it's for that purpose only, so it's not a blank
check for the legislature to introduce all kinds of topics
and all kinds of issues. It keeps it narrow and
it keeps it focused, and that's better for the people.
Speaker 1 (11:56):
I understand the concern, and I like the sound of
what you're saying. Reality is, they're working a lot anyway,
and they're going to Tallahassee for multiple reasons, meetings, committee weeks,
whatever it may be. And is there a tweak that
might make the system better than it is even if
you're not in Tallahassee. Let's say you call this a
(12:18):
full time legislature, but they're not in Tallahassee full time.
They go up for a lawmaking session, they go for
a special if they need it, and they're dealing with
constituent services and other things. If they're back in their
home district. Is it better if we can force them
into a home district situation, even though that might be
their full time job, twenty nine grand a year for
the job they're doing, it's not worth that money. I
(12:41):
got it that well.
Speaker 7 (12:42):
I would say, Bill, there is a reform that should
be done and considered here in Florida, and that is Yeah.
I think the current situation, the way it's set up,
is it really only allows people who are financially independent
that they don't have to have another full time job.
Speaker 6 (13:04):
That narrows the field.
Speaker 1 (13:06):
It does, and most people can't afford to take off
go to Tallahassee for a week, much less for months.
I mean, they might take a vacation and go somewhere,
but they can't go up there and work for sixty
days straight or for committee weeks and everything that goes.
Speaker 7 (13:20):
So twenty nine thousand dollars salary, somebody's not going to
be able to do. I'm going to put my business
on hold for four years or six years or eight years,
or I'm going to give up this position to.
Speaker 1 (13:31):
Serve you uses, it's not you can a family that way.
Speaker 6 (13:35):
You can't. You can't.
Speaker 7 (13:36):
So what I do believe we need to do is
we do need to make the pay more competitive and
more market oriented so that it attracts more people, better
people to want to serve in the position. And that
would mean making this a salary situation that's more competitive
like the free market. Okay, So for example, I would
(13:59):
prepare perhaps something around like the median household income would
be the base salary. So let's say eighty three thousand
dollars per year for a legislator.
Speaker 1 (14:10):
Okay, and then but you wouldn't change the sessions or
any no, no, no, no, no no no.
Speaker 7 (14:14):
The session, the part time session is great. Sixty days
you get your budget done, and if you don't get
something done, you have those twenty days special sessions, all right,
and they're limited in focused so that it's not going
to give the legislature a blank check to just regulate
in all kinds of area. So I don't want to
keep that. I want to preserve that. But on the
other hand, we can get more people, more dedication, better people,
(14:39):
a broader range of people serving in our legislature if
the pay was more competitive and reflected the market realities.
So I'm thinking eighty three thousand base salary with a
cost of living adjustment every year to keep up with inflation,
and that way it would be able to lure more
(15:00):
people into service. Now here's the problem. Okay, how often
do people vote on increasing their own pay as far
as legislators.
Speaker 1 (15:13):
Go, Well, and that's it. That's one of the items
miss mentioned in the story. Let me see if I
can find that the politics of a pay raise, because
when you're voting to raise your own salary, people remember
that come election day and they will use it as
a derogatory campaign mailer or talking point to say he
(15:36):
voted himself a payer. And that's usually coming from somebody
who hasn't been in that job.
Speaker 6 (15:41):
Okay, exactly, exactly.
Speaker 7 (15:43):
So yeah, just the average voter hears increasing the salary
for the without even knowing it's only twenty nine thousand.
If you ask the average voter, should we increase the
salary for the state legislator, they would have a visceral
reaction against that, not even knowing it's.
Speaker 1 (15:59):
Only twenty nine Yeah, I believe that's true.
Speaker 7 (16:02):
So you know, the idea here is is we have
to get the people to vote for the salary change.
And what you do is is you put it in
the form of an amendment. And I know you and
I are an agreement on this. We don't like direct
democracy as a first response.
Speaker 1 (16:19):
Bill, no, not at all, but I think that this
in this.
Speaker 7 (16:21):
Situation, let's put it on the ballot to enshrine this
in the constitution. The pay structure for state legislatures and
legislators in here in Florida, and have the people vote
on that amendment. Have the people adopt that amendment to make.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
It that could be one amendment where they would they
would opt to vote no first. Normally they'll vote yes first.
Speaker 7 (16:45):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Well, it's going to have to be
sold and we have to make the case. But if
if the case can be made that we would bring
in a different class of legislator or somebody that's more
of what we would call an average citizen rather than
more than fifty percent of the legislators have a million
dollar plus, right, you know.
Speaker 6 (17:07):
Net worth.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
Well Swears talks in his piece about Senator Lorie Berman,
a Democrat out of South Florida, who introduced legislation three
years in a row to have a budget analysis done
on lawmaker raises, but those died in committee. They won't
even get him to consideration here. She said, people are
afraid they won't get re elected if they ask for
a raise. Representative Bruce Antne, Democrat out of Orlando, said
(17:32):
he filed companion bills in the House he saw the
same results. He said. He first introduced a build to
raise lawmaker salaries to fifty grand a year. In two
thousand and five, Alan Bentz, the House speaker at the time,
said it was a great idea, but it wasn't going
to make it. He wouldn't make his members vote on it.
They just they are afraid of the politic and we've
(17:55):
created that situation where the job the legislature legislator thinks
he has is to be re elected, as opposed to
do one what's right. I would like to think they
could consider something like this if it's going to improve
lawmaking in the state, because right now, asking people to
make the sacrifices they make for twenty nine grand a
year not smart at all.
Speaker 7 (18:16):
I think also Bill, not only do they not want
to take a position on voting themselves to pay raise.
I tend to think that a majority of the legislature
likes the demographic that rules, that ruling demographic that's there now.
I don't think they would be enthralled with the idea
of having a broader range of demographic from different walks
(18:40):
of life, from different income levels, competing for legislative seats.
I don't think that's appealing.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
So we're discoverned by the elites or of course we are.
Speaker 6 (18:50):
We always have been and seems like we always will be.
Speaker 1 (18:54):
Have you ever seen a legislature fail to come up
with a budget in time?
Speaker 7 (19:01):
I mean it has happened, but it's very rare, and
certainly not two sessions concurrently, So that that is that
is something that's rare, particularly when the same party controls
the levers of power.
Speaker 6 (19:18):
You would you if you've.
Speaker 7 (19:19):
Seen this in states where there's been a split legislature
where the House and the Senate are different parties. Sure,
that's more common. But to have one party dominance and
being able to be able to not pass the most
basic function of government, this is I think we're an
unprecedented territory.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
Schweer's reports in his story that if they don't get
a budget done by July first, the state goes into
a partial government shutdown. Any idea what that looks like?
Speaker 7 (19:49):
I believe I don't think we've got any precedent for that.
That's what I'm saying. We're in this unprecedented, unchartered territory
and what it's going to look like. I think there's
a lot of open quest questions here.
Speaker 1 (20:00):
Bill.
Speaker 7 (20:02):
Will the governor be able to have a stop gap
and be able to use funds and pound funds from
different areas to keep certain government services and functions going
and open for the public. I think there's a lot
of unanswered questions here, Bill, but I would agree there's
one thing I would like to see added. If we
(20:23):
are going to increase the salary for a state legislators,
I do think that there's something that could make it
more palatable for people, and that is increase their salary,
but prohibit any elected official from having any other state
(20:44):
government position. So for example, right now, yeah, they're only
making twenty nine thousand, but there are many members of
the legislature that get other state jobs, whether it's at
a state university or a state some bureaucracy. They get
a job maybe teaching one class a year for eighty
(21:06):
five thousand dollars, or they write a book for a
quarter million dollars that no one will ever read. And
that's what they're doing. They're using their position of prominence
to secure other state employment. That should be banned. If
you're an elected official, you are not eligible to receive
(21:29):
any other monies from any state agency, directly or indirectly
while you are serving in the legislature because I think
that there is a situation here where legislators will use
their power over the budget of a particular institution and
then they're going to get a sweetheart gig that's real
part time, and they're going to get an obscene salary
(21:51):
for that part time gig. I think that practice needs
to come to an end.
Speaker 1 (21:55):
It's like the nose show jobs from the Sopranos.
Speaker 13 (21:57):
Right.
Speaker 7 (22:00):
Exactly exactly. This isn't fiction though. That's the problem is
this is real.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
Is the idea of a citizen legislature, somebody who does
go back into the community and works in the community
after their sessions die? Is that short sighted these days?
Does it not fit? We're what we'd like to see.
I mean, are we being naive and thinking we could
do this well?
Speaker 7 (22:21):
I mean we like the concept of a citizen legislature,
But like you pointed out, Bill, they're already meeting for
the sixty day session. But that's not the end of
the story. Like you said, there's committee hearings, committee meetings,
there's areas where they have to draft legislation, and that
takes time. Plus you've got the special sessions and you've
got constituent services. So this is already a full time job,
(22:47):
but with part time pay right. So we want citizens,
but we need better pay scale.
Speaker 1 (22:54):
And we continue the Florida Round Table in moments here
on the Florida News Network.
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Speaker 1 (27:04):
Bill Mick With chris muro looking at. The legislature should
it go? Full time should it be? Better paid because
we're asking them to do a lot for very. Little
money comes down to me maybe a couple, Of, OPTIONS
chris a part time legislature that isn't really, part time
or a full time legislature that won't really be full
time either they're talking eighty percent of a full time
(27:26):
job in. The article or maybe a, third option as you,
brought up pay them more for what they're doing right
now and keep that system. Very similar if you had
to sum, it up what would you want to?
Speaker 7 (27:38):
Say, THERE yeah i like the structure the way it
is now with the sixty day session and then allowing
for special sessions that are limited in their scope and
what they can. LEGISLATE on i think that that's the
way to keep that, in place but let's bring in
if we really want to citizen, the legislature it's not
going to be. The elite we're going to make this
something where many people from all walks of life can
(27:59):
can pete to serve in their. State legislature and the
only way to do that is to increase the salary
so that people can give up a particular job or
put their business on hold so that they can serve
and take care of their families. As well and that's
just that's the. Modern REALITY so i think we need
to recognize those things and then keep the best of the,
(28:21):
citizen legislature which is.
Speaker 1 (28:23):
Where they're back in the community and they're living with
what they the laws they make, that's right.
Speaker 7 (28:27):
That's right and able to provide constituent services. As well
you know that they can be there to answer. The
questions those demands are. Year round they are.
Speaker 1 (28:35):
Year, round yeah that's very. Very, true well we'll see
how it all, plays out given. The opportunity want to
move on to some other things while we're taking advantage
of your. Time today one of the, governor's priorities and
this Was An anthony mann story From The South Florida.
Sun sentinel the governor wants state regulations for. Artificial intelligence
(28:56):
and one of the things that got my attention here
over recent Weeks is i'm seeing situations Where these republicans
we elect seem to want more and. More control had
an example just in the last week Where The attorney
general came out and TOLD the nfl that how they
hire coaches and other staff is illegal in the State.
(29:17):
Of Florida and, i'm thinking if that Is not david
Taking on goliath Without the, LORD'S backing i don't know,
what IS because i don't know that there's a more
powerful entity business wise across the globe THAN. The nfl
And If I'm, ROGER goodell i laugh when the letter,
comes in hand it to my lawyers, and say will
(29:38):
you handle this guy? For me but we're wanting to,
control things putting our fingers deep into business that we shouldn't,
be doing and the state wants to control a lot of.
Local issues we're seeing and hearing a lot, of that
from how you rent a airbnbs or those types of
situations to growth man. Management issues some of it's because
(30:02):
the local governments don't handle. It well But these republicans
claiming conservatism, when elected all of, a sudden see power in?
What Control and i'm seeing that as. A.
Speaker 7 (30:14):
Problem yeah well there's an old, saying bill, Power corrupts
absolute power corrupts, Absolutely, right lord acton and it still is.
Applicable today, and well that does seem to be a
thing bill that, you know we talk one game about
limiting governmental power and limiting governmental interference in our lives
and freedom and all the rest. Of it but when
those folks get into those levers, of power the it's
(30:38):
it's irresistible and so wanting to have control and to
make remake the world in their. Own image it seems
like it's just something that temptation is.
Speaker 6 (30:47):
Too, great well.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
They've been having trouble keeping up with cybersecurity and trying
to properly secure, state websites, state systems. County systems and
if they're not keeping up on the, Security side i'm
not sure they're educated enough to stay ahead of. The
law ON the, ai side it's a, growing industry it's a,
(31:10):
growing technology and it's changing.
Speaker 6 (31:12):
Every, day well, you know here's.
Speaker 7 (31:13):
THE thing i think this is the great debate now because,
You Know ronda santis he put a lot of effort
behind GETTING His ai Bill of rights as he, called
it And the senate did carry, the water but it
died In The state house because, The Speaker dan perez
was not.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Going In the trump camp if, You, will, well Yeah
the president wants this as a nationally controlled thing as
opposed to fifty different sets of regulations across.
Speaker 19 (31:41):
The.
Speaker 7 (31:41):
Country right, so yeah so you know on, that question,
YOU know i kind of my INSTINCT is i want
to come down on the side of each state determining,
for itself because each state has different values and, they have,
you know different ideas of what is right and what
is wrong and how to techt our children and things of.
(32:02):
That nature so, you know My instinct bill is, to
say let's let the states do this and let's have.
That patchwork And if virginia is, more hospit, you know INVITING,
of AI then ai companies will Move. To virginia and
if They think florida's laws are, too cumbersome then they
(32:23):
won't bring their data Centers. To florida and that's the
competition of our system. Of federalism and So then florida
will have to make a decision do we change and
alter our laws to BRING in ai companies and technology to,
our state or do we have it.
Speaker 1 (32:39):
More, restrictive well the technology is going to advance regardless
of where, it lands where it's, companies are where the developers. Are,
Located TRUE but i.
Speaker 7 (32:49):
Mean for the infrastructure and availability and infrastructure and things
of that nature and jobs associated.
Speaker 1 (32:55):
With that do you put yourself in a position as
a state then of falling by behind in technology which
is going to mean falling behind in jobs when jobs
start disappearing because we've made things so much easier in
one respect, or another are we on the short end of?
Speaker 7 (33:12):
That, stick well, you know maybe initially, It's, True bill
but that's the beauty of the legislature is that they
can much easier THAN The us congress amending. Current legislation
it's a lot easier at the state. Legislative level so
if there is something that needs to be tweaked, or
improved that can.
Speaker 6 (33:32):
Be DONE but i.
Speaker 7 (33:33):
Do think there's a legitimate argument in that there's a
lot of unknowns here on many. DIFFERENT levels, i mean
look at all of the mental, health crises as the
media would, tell us among our children because of Exposure
to Facebook. And snapchat imagine the possibilities of mental health
(33:58):
issues BECAUSE.
Speaker 6 (33:59):
Of, ai well we've.
Speaker 1 (34:01):
Seen it we have seen it with these chatbots that
develop a relationship of sorts with. The USER and i
saw a television drama just a few weeks ago where
a medical condition was exacerbated because this person was in
this relationship in her mind WITH this ai and it
(34:25):
started affecting her decision ended up negatively impacting. Her health very,
interesting STORY and i can't relate it all to you.
A year another thing that came out in this story
is that polling around the state shows almost nine out
of ten favor having a state law. On this, BUT
again i wonder if we're smart enough to know if
(34:47):
that's the. Right decision do we know enough about? This,
yet well.
Speaker 7 (34:51):
Again there's so, Many, Unknowns BILL but i think what
we've seen so far is the potential, for misuse not
only among, you know the youth being, you know drawn
into having relationships with robots and all the rest. Of
IT but i don't know if you Saw The milania
(35:14):
trump first lady introducing this new robot walking down a
runway with. A, robot yeah you've got to go to
YouTube and check out. That video so introducing a. NEW robot,
i mean this person was this robot was talking like
it was an invited guest At The. White house and,
(35:35):
so again, you know it's all, very odd it's all very,
strange built and there's a lot of. Unknowns here so,
you know, SOME states, i think are going to be
very lax and lenient. On regulation other states will be.
More restrictive and then they're going to find a happy
medium and they're going to tweak and amend those things
as we get more information and as. Time GOES and
i think that's the beauty of federalism is it allows
(35:58):
the states to experiment and to innovate and to see
what policies work and what policies. Don't work and the
policies that work will be replicated and imitated by, other
jurisdictions and those that don't work will. Be ISOLATED and
i think that that's the beauty of our system.
Speaker 1 (36:16):
Of government are we seeing a situation where the state
is stepping in and usurping a parental role here we
talk about, protecting kids and it's a great thing to
talk about and it's what we as parents all want.
To do is it incumbent on the state to provide
that kind.
Speaker 7 (36:35):
Of, protection well, YOU know i kind of agree, With.
YOU bill, i mean, you know a few years ago
we're passing laws to restrict Access. To facebook if you're
under sixteen and you can't have. THIS account i agree
with you one hundred. Percent here that's not the role.
Of government that is the role of. The parents but,
you know there is some evidence out there that parents
are abdicating their role and they're using technology as a
(36:58):
babysitter or a, a pacifier, you know.
Speaker 1 (37:01):
To, keep okay that started out in my generation where
mom and dad plopped in front of. THE television i
thank god we had bugs money at, the, time, right yeah.
Speaker 6 (37:08):
Exactly exactly the good old day, is, runner.
Speaker 1 (37:12):
Yeah. Coyote YEAH and i haven't dropped an anvil on
anybody my. Entire life are you sure? About that, i'm positive,
all RIGHT although i might, have plans you, never, Know, right.
Speaker 7 (37:22):
Well, YOU know i hear what you, Say, It bill
but remember back in, our day well, your day, you
know eight HOURS of tv was going to be, you
know the Death of. Western civilization but now they've got,
you know they're, you know they're they're on their devices
all they're waking hours and so you know that's not
a positive. DEVELOPMENT either i think there could be some role,
(37:44):
for government but it should be. Extremely limited, All.
Speaker 1 (37:47):
Right we'll see how it. Plays out should it make
it into a special session or wait on. Next year
we'll see how. That goes and we've got other ground
to cover as we continue on. The roundtable, in moments
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(40:04):
continues here On The Florida. News network catch up with
me and with our podcast of the Show at billmick.
Dot Com chris mirro with me, this week political scientist
and we are have some local barometers on what the
midterms could be. Looking. Like chris just a week or,
so ago we had three special elections in the State,
(40:25):
of FLORIDA and i Think the republicans were a little
surprised by what.
Speaker 7 (40:29):
Happened there democrats picked up two of the Three Seats
senate district fourteen that was Vacated By Lieutenant Governor jay
collins who's now running, for governor and had a seat
Down In south florida that happens to Encompass Mar. A, lago.
Speaker 1 (40:47):
Yes boy was that big flashy news for. The day.
It was, it was.
Speaker 7 (40:51):
It was but, you, Know Again, Mike johnson speaker Of,
the house, you know keeps saying that a special election
is just that it's a. Special election it's not really
an indicator of a normal. General election AND typically i
would agree with. That sentiment, the, problem though is now
it's thirty two special Elections that democrats have won and
(41:14):
only four have been Won. By republicans and we're not
Talking about Virginia And new Jersey And New. York city
we're Talking, About, Texas, arkansas florida states where that.
Speaker 6 (41:26):
Shouldn't.
Speaker 7 (41:27):
Happen bill so at, this point when you've got thirty two,
to four it's time to acknowledge there's a trend.
Speaker 1 (41:35):
Developing, Here okay republican you look at this all the
time as a. Political scientist you see. These trends you
see how the waves come and ebb. And flow is this?
Amounting wave is that what?
Speaker 7 (41:47):
We're seeing what we are Seeing that democrats. Definitely have
there's an, enthusiasm Gap that democrats are much, more jazzed
and they're coming out and. Turning out as a matter,
of fact in the state OF The us, senate primaries
it had the highest Turnout for democrats Ever in.
Speaker 1 (42:07):
Texas history what do you attribute? That to is it orange?
Man bad the Hatred?
Speaker 13 (42:13):
For?
Speaker 1 (42:13):
TRUMP well i.
Speaker 7 (42:15):
Think, that well what Are the republicans going to run
on bill for twenty? Twenty six what do We got
we've got A. Stalled, congress well we've got the big
beautiful bill right which did some very, good things which
did some great things for averaged middle. Class taxpayers that was.
Speaker 1 (42:34):
Very important you've got immigration that has been properly addressed
and then griped about for. Enforcement tactics but as far
as the flow of illegals into, the country it's been stemmed.
VERY strong i.
Speaker 7 (42:48):
Got you but, you, know listen you know the. Ice
situation the president was above water on his approval of
handling immigration and.
Speaker 14 (42:56):
He's.
Speaker 7 (42:57):
Underwater, now okay so the ice, you, know yeah there,
was victory but it's no longer seen as a victory
because now the people have Soured on trump's handling.
Speaker 1 (43:05):
Of immigration i've Always said republicans were poor. At messaging
is that what we're? Facing, here well that's part of.
Speaker 7 (43:11):
It too but, you, know listen the look wasn't a
good look from what came Out, Of. Minneapolis minnesota it's
not a. Good look it's a. Police state it's not
the kind of look that.
Speaker 1 (43:21):
You WANT so i mentioned the lieutenant Governor's former, senate
seat and even he said this week that the twenty
six percent Turnout that republicans had is just not going to.
Cut it Can the republicans in the state or around
the country engender that turnout to get them?
Speaker 7 (43:36):
Out, there well you got to look at the last
TWO preceding midtermska twenty twenty two and. TWENTY eighteen, a
right how'd? We do twenty eighteen was a blood Bath. For,
republicans okay, Twenty Eighteen donald trump lost thirty eight Seats.
In congress that was a net loss of thirty eight Seats,
(43:57):
in congress lost control Of, the house lost control Of.
The senate then we fast forward to twenty. Twenty Two
joe biden is, in office we have a disastrous, Inflation.
Speaker 6 (44:11):
Rate we've got.
Speaker 7 (44:12):
Vaccine mandates that should have been a major. Red wave
but What Happened bill republicans underperformed in a. Big way
we didn't take Back the senate in twenty.
Speaker 1 (44:25):
Twenty two was that also a turnout issue, or.
Speaker 6 (44:28):
Well it was a.
Speaker 7 (44:29):
Turnout issue democrats turned out in. Higher numbers and also
it was a candidate. Quality issue don't Forget, herschel walker
don't forget Doctor oz blake McMasters. In arizona all these
candidates that were disastrous Candidates that, trump endorsed and he
didn't do it because they were the, best candidates is
(44:50):
because they were going to be loyal, yes men and
those candidates all went down. In flames what should have
been a massive Pickup. For republics We, lost georgia We,
lost arizona We. Lost pennsylvania those states should have been,
easy pickups and we Lost to fetterman and we lost
(45:13):
again With, herschel Walker and georgia.
Speaker 1 (45:16):
May end up being a blessing in disguise the way he, Talks,
like well it depends on, some issues just on some Here.
In florida The incoming speaker Of the house said that
special election timing was, an Issue and i'm reading that as.
An excuse your job is to get the, message out
and the timing. The elections what it Is the democrats
managed to? Turn out why Didn't.
Speaker 7 (45:38):
You well if we schedule this for a month from
now or three months, From, now bill it wouldn't have made. A.
Difference okay what we're seeing is is That the republicans
are on the ropes and there's a number of indicators
that we should.
Speaker 6 (45:49):
Be worried and.
Speaker 1 (45:51):
We'll continue on that front when the roundtable continues here
On The Florida. News network.
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Of nowhere the unsettling thing about some SYMPTOMS is i had.
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the Florida round table for, This Week bill Mick With
chris Mirro, and chris as we consider the mid terms
(49:07):
before we look at the national side, of it how
the midterms Look in florida as far as, you're concerned
what we old twenty seven of twenty, eight seats twenty
six of, twenty seven whatever that.
Speaker 7 (49:18):
Number, is well right now we have twenty twenty seats
out of. Twenty eight maybe with this redistricting that they're planning,
on doing if that goes through in the, special session
that might boost us up to twenty five out of,
twenty eight. PERHAPS pergus i wouldn't hold your breath on,
that though but that is the midterm redistricting mid decade
(49:38):
rather redistricting is an unknown variable that could have. An
INFLUENCE but i think right now build the generic poll
Is showing democrats up by, six points meaning who are
you going to? Vote For a democrat Or a republican
which has been the most accurate poll of any poll
for the past. Forty years how.
Speaker 1 (49:55):
Does that translate the number of seats or do we? Know,
yet well who's going to end?
Speaker 7 (49:59):
Up control and right now you're talking about two nineteen
to two, Sixteen, bill okay so it only takes two
eighteen to be. A majority we're not saying you don't
need twenty thirty seats to pick. Up here all you
need is ten or twelve and you've got.
Speaker 1 (50:12):
Your majority do you See The florida delegation? CHANGING substantially.
Speaker 7 (50:16):
I don't I Think florida republicans are gonna. Be fine
we're Gonna Have Governor Byron Donald's ashley moody will win
election in twenty. Twenty six republicans will continue to maintain
control of the. State legislature but once we move Outside,
of florida, hmm okay because remember in twenty, TWENTY two
i mean, twenty eighteen Pill remember Ron. De santis that
was a terrible Year for republican bad Midterm in trump's.
(50:39):
First term Ron desant is won by thirty thousand votes
out of. Ten Million Cast rick scott won his seat
by thirty three thousand votes out of ten million votes
cast raise. Or thin so we're not going to be like.
That situation but when we look Outside, of florida it's
looking Bleak.
Speaker 1 (50:56):
For republicans what's that mean For the, trump Administration that
trump agenda and getting anything OUT of dc That the
american public says that.
Speaker 7 (51:05):
We, want, Yeah, YEAH well i think after the twenty
six mid, TERM bill i Think the house is. Eighty
twenty It's going. Democratic, Control OKAY and I used i
was up until just recently saying That the senate was
going To be republican And the senate was going to
Stay in. Republican Hands now i'm saying it's a fifty
(51:26):
five percent chance it's going to be a fifty to.
Fifty split we're going To lose Maine because trump Went After.
Susan collins. She's out we've also got seats that are
on the ropes that we're. Battling for And even texas
is now considered to be a state that could possibly
(51:49):
turn blue with that contentious Race Between john Cornyn And.
Ken paxton whoever merges As the, republican candidate that's going
to mean who's going to be the Most powerful senator
after this. Midterm election, Good question Murkowski. Of alaska she's
going to be That fiftieth, republican vote.
Speaker 1 (52:09):
Swing vote she is.
Speaker 7 (52:10):
Going to Be The anthony kennedy OF The. Us senate
her vote is going to determine the direction Of the
senate and confirmation of judges and any kind of. Executive
appointments what in your mind's caused. This turn you're not gonna, Like, It,
bill okay it's the unconstitutional war that we're engaged in
(52:32):
right Now and iran this is becoming an. Unmitigated. Disaster,
bill economically the gas prices are up four to twenty
nine a gallon one hundred and six dollars. A barrel
it was sixty dollars a barrel a. Month ago, you.
Speaker 1 (52:47):
Know that's a big can of worms to throw right
at the end of. The show we're gonna have to
bring you back and maybe hash that out at. Some
Point But, chris mirral.
Speaker 6 (52:55):
It's not a, Good, look bill it's not a.
Speaker 1 (52:56):
Good look it's always a pleasure of. My friends thank
you for taking, the time and we'll see you next
week here On the Florida. Round table working up a
show with my former boss who's written a book about, police,
work politics. And cocaine we're trying to do that next
week On. The roundtable enjoy, Your week we'll see you
next week On The Florida. News network.
Speaker 16 (53:19):
You've been listening To The florida Roundtable With bill mey
on news and public affairs presentation Of The Florida. News
network the views and opinions expressed during this programmer those
of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of, this, station,
management owners. Or sponsors for questions, or Concerns Contact florida
(53:40):
roundtable at fnnonline.
Speaker 1 (53:42):
Dot net
Host
Bill Mick
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