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UFF Legislative Toolkit

Call, email and meet with your state representative and senator

It may seem antiquated, but your elected officials hearing from you makes a difference. Their staff has to document how many points of contact they receive for or against any piece of legislation that they will be voting on. So together, we can make a real difference here!

You are a constituent of these legislators, and they need to honor your request to hear your concerns and schedule a time to meet with you in person or virtually. (Read more about these bills below).

Enter your home address below and complete the form to request a meeting with your senator and representative about higher education:

Here are a few more ways to take action:

1. Testify in person or virtually!

If you are willing to to testify — in person, in Tallahassee or remotely —  or offer written testimony, please let UFF (uff@floridaea.org) know ASAP.

2. Write an OpEd for your local paper

FEA’s Write a Letter to the Editor tool has weblinks to many local papers — or you can contact your paper directly. Please share it widely so we can cross-promote your contribution! Make your personal story heard and felt as it relates to the proposed legislation and its impacts on your workplace.

3. Join the Working Families Lobby Corps

2022 Working Families Lobby Corps signup — Through the Florida AFL-CIO, members can sign up to help AFL-CIO, one of our affiliated unions, with its advocacy against union-busting and education-hobbling bills.

More info on the Working Families Lobby Corps can be found  on the Florida AFL-CIO website.

4. Host a Zoom phone party or video party to:

  • Make phone calls to legislative offices
  • Write postcards or short written letters to legislators
  • Tweetstorm your legislators
  • Write letters to your local paper

Learn more about the bills we’re most concerned about

SB 1458 / HB 1197 – “Employee Organizations” – This bill will remove the right to organize, form, and keep unions for many workers in Florida’s higher education system by requiring membership percentage minimums, removing payroll deductions for union dues, and allowing for unreasonable challenges to union membership lists. UFF stands opposed to this clear attempt to undermine the rights to collective action guaranteed in the Florida Constitution.

SB 520 / HB 703 – “Public Records and Public Meetings” – This bill will remove presidential job searches at Florida’s universities and colleges from Sunshine Law requirements, meaning full lists of candidates, identifications of conflicts of interest, and other safeguards of state dollars and resources will no longer be available to the public. Secrecy only benefits those with ulterior motives. UFF stands on the side of the faculty, staff, students, and public of Florida in supporting transparency in these key hiring processes.

HB 6007 – “Licenses to Carry Concealed Weapons or Firearms” – At UFF, we believe guns have no place on college and university campuses, unless in the hands of law enforcement professionals who are trained in de-escalation techniques. Florida has already seen enough gun violence. There is no need to add the potential for more destruction with this reckless and senseless bill.

Week 9, May 1-5

Agenda Watch: Will session end on time? We’ll know on Tuesday. The budget must be finalized 72 hours before session adjourns. 

Monday, May 1

  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Senate is in session.
  • 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. House is in session. 

Tuesday, May 2

  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Senate is in session.
  • 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. House is in session.

Wednesday, May 3

  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Senate is in session.
  • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. House is in session.

Thursday, May 4

    • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Senate is in session.
    • 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. House is in session.

Friday, May 5

  • 10:00 a.m.-Sine die House is in session.
  • 10:00 a.m.-Sine die Senate is in session.

All meetings are streamed live and on The Florida Channel where they are also available for on-demand viewing within 24 hours of the conclusion of the meeting.

FEA files federal lawsuit against SB 256

As was announced today at a virtual press conference, the Florida Education Association (FEA) and three affiliated unions have filed a federal lawsuit against Senate Bill (SB) 256, which was…

Read more about FEA files federal lawsuit against SB 256

At governor’s bidding, House stands against working people

The Florida House sealed the deal. When it comes to the governor’s political ambitions versus working people, working people lose. Senate Bill (SB) 256, passed by the House today and…

Read more about At governor’s bidding, House stands against working people

NEA report: Florida’s teachers remain among nation’s worst paid

Despite Gov. DeSantis’ claims about educator salaries, Florida continues to rank 48th in the nation for average teacher pay, according to figures released this week by the National Education Association…

Read more about NEA report: Florida’s teachers remain among nation’s worst paid

FEA leadership: We stand united for our students

Let us say first, we are honored to lead this organization and to have you as a member.

Read more about FEA leadership: We stand united for our students

Help for kids who are hurting

Through Steve’s Club, Cori Lake Walls wants to ensure no grieving student goes unnoticed or unheard

Read more about Help for kids who are hurting

$1,200 worth of turkeys and a lot of love

Lakisha Ayers-White and her student volunteers provide supplies for Thanksgiving dinners with all the trimmings to dozens of union families

Read more about $1,200 worth of turkeys and a lot of love