Legislative News

Next Capitol Hill Visitation April 2026.

Your Support Needed: Help Secure Florida Legion Budget Priorities

The 2025 Florida Legislative Session has been extended to finalize the state budget—and your voice is urgently needed to protect critical funding for two of our top American Legion programs.

These initiatives are vital to the continued success of our mission, and with your help, we can ensure they receive the support they deserve.

Please review the flyers below for detailed program information and take just a few moments today to call or email the key decision-makers listed below. Your outreach could make all the difference in the final budget outcome.

Priority #1: Florida American Legion Boys State / Girls State

Funding Request: $200,000 in Non-Recurring Funding (Higher Education Budget)

House Request Form: 2132 – Rep. Michelle Salzman
Senate Project: 1475 – Sen. Jay Collins
Status: Fully funded in the House; not included in the Senate

Take Action:

Call Senator Gayle Harrell (Senate Higher Ed Chair)
(772) 221-4019 or (850) 487-5031
➤ Urge her to include full funding for Boys State.
Call Representative Demi Busatta Cabrera (House Higher Ed Chair)
(305) 442-6808 or (850) 717-5114
➤ Thank her for the House support and encourage her to defend it in negotiations.

Priority #2: National Convention Transportation

Funding Request: $250,000 in Non-Recurring Funding

House Request Form: 1794 – Rep. Michelle Salzman
Senate Project: 1475 – Sen. Jay Collins
Status: Partially funded ($125,000) in the House; not included in the Senate

Take Action:

Call Senator Nick DiCeglie (Transportation Budget Chair)
(727) 563-1910 or (850) 487-5018
➤ Urge full funding for convention transportation.
Call Representative Jason Shoaf (House Transportation Budget Chair)
(850) 295-5680 or (850) 717-5007
➤ Thank him for the House funding and ask for full support in negotiations.

Tips for Your Outreach

Introduce yourself and your connection to the Legion or local community.
Clearly state the program and your request.
Share why the program is meaningful to you.
Be respectful, appreciative, and persistent.

Your calls and emails can tip the scale. This is our moment to ensure Florida’s veterans, youth, and Legion family are fully supported. Let’s make our voices heard!