Introduction The 2021 Regular Legislative Session was like no other. The COVID-19 pandemic took center stage, usurping policy debates while limiting access to elected officials and the capitol. It left in its tracks multiple controversial anti-consumer laws potentially negatively impacting older Floridians, but it handed older Floridians several budget, health care and consumer wins. During the pandemic, AARP Florida adapted to a new way of advocating for the 50+ by going “virtual.” AARP staff and volunteer advocates used Zoom meetings to connect with elected officals and got our messages out through the media. During the sixty-day session, AARP participated in 30 formally scheduled media interviews (TV, radio and phone) and was quoted in nearly 150 news articles. During the 2021 Session, legislators filed 3,518 (1,699 general bills) bills and passed 210 (191 general bills) through both Chambers. This 2021 Legislative Voting Record sets forth summaries of bills significant to Floridians ages 50+ and how legislators voted on them. When the first legislative committee of reference placed on its public hearing agenda a bill significant to AARP’s members and Florida residents 50 years of age and older, AARP notified legislators by email (see p. 103 for an example) that AARP would report their votes on that bill, or any successor bill, through the entire legislative process. AARP provided updates on bills to its volunteers and stakeholders via the AARP blog and AARP Twitter accounts. Section I of the 2021 Legislative Voting Record provides a complete list of all Florida legislators and their parties, legislative districts, and county legislative delegations. Section II provides a summary of all the bills AARP Florida selected for the final voting record report. The summaries are set forth by subject matter areas (budget, health and supportive services, consumer protections and livable communities). The summaries identify the pages where readers may review the voting records for each bill. Section III provides appendices that include sample communications to legislators and bills selected for vote recording by their dates of notice. This document is based on information as of June 18, 2021. AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families—with a focus on health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment. AARP Florida, with nearly 3 million members, is making a difference for older Floridians. But we can't do it without you. If you would like to join us in these efforts, contact the Florida state office by calling (866) 595-7678 or send an e-mail to flaarp@aarp.org. There are opportunities to volunteer around the entire state – you don’t have to be in Tallahassee to have your voice heard.
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