Week 7 Legislative Update – Conference and the Final Stretch
We have rounded the corner and are now in Week 7, with only 13 full days remaining in regular Session.
Both chambers have now moved into budget conference, where final negotiations will determine what ultimately makes it into the final appropriations bill. This is a critical phase of the process — and your engagement right now truly matters.
We still need your phone calls regarding Boys State and Girls State funding.
Our voice still matters. Emails and phone calls remain one of the most effective forms of advocacy, and your outreach directly influences the process.
When contacting legislators about this funding, please reference the following appropriations:
- Senate Appropriation 2602 — Tom Leek
• House Appropriation 2799 — Michelle Salzman
Referencing these numbers helps legislative staff quickly identify the request during conference negotiations and ensures your message is routed appropriately.
Regarding the bills targeting charitable gaming, the measures are not currently aligned between the chambers. However, there is still time for them to merge. We are actively working with bill sponsors to come to an agreeable landing and position ourselves as favorably as possible before the final days.
While I may watch the weatherman every morning, I still do my own research — and I cannot say with certainty how this year will conclude. However, I do have a prediction.
And for those who read between the lines… yes, I said regular Session.
Be prepared for extra innings again this year.
As always, thank you for staying engaged, making the calls, and continuing to advocate for our veterans, our youth programs, and the communities we proudly serve.
Respectfully,
Stuart Scott
Legislative Chair
The American Legion
Department of Florida
