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The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision Monday that, similar to the recent ruling on LGBTQ workplace protections, was a surprise given the conservative bent of recent additions to the high court.
In a 5-4 ruling, SCOTUS struck down a Louisiana law that required doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at local hospitals.
While proponents argue the law protects the health of women who seek abortions, opponents say it creates a roadblock to abortion access. The court agreed with the latter opinion.
The Louisiana law has been put forward in many states, including Florida, which passed a law with a similar provision in 2016.
Texas had such a law as well, and it too went before the Supreme Court in 2013. Just as in the Louisiana case, the court voted to overturn the Texas law, though Chief Justice John Roberts flipped from his 2013 position in Monday’s ruling citing precedent.
Abortion-rights activists cheered the decisionboth nationally and in the Sunshine State.
“The Supreme Court just sent a resounding message to politicians all across the country: Stop trying to make abortion inaccessible,” said Stephanie Fraim, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. “Today’s ruling affirms yet again that abortion care is essential care and is protected under the U.S. Constitution.”
Orlando Democratic Rep. Anna Eskamani, who worked for Planned Parenthood before becoming a lawmaker, also praised the ruling.
“The Court’s decision means that people in Louisiana will continue to have access to abortion care. Four years ago the Supreme Court held admitting privileges laws unconstitutional and, the Court stepped in — yet again — to block this clinic shutdown law,” she said.
“We must remain vigilant for reproductive health, rights and justice. We must focus our energy on advancing a future where people can access an abortion when they need it with love and support — not shame and judgment. Now is the time to work together to build the world where each one of us has the power, resources and support to care for ourselves, our families, and our communities.
Miami-Dade Mayoral candidate and county commissioner Daniella Levine Cava also issued a statement: “For almost 50 years, states around the country have tried to limit women’s access to health care and their reproductive rights. Today’s decision is a reaffirmation of these rights and an important victory for health care advocates and women around the country and I proudly applaud it."
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After slashing $1 billion in spending, Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his signature the 2020-21 budget Monday.
The vetoes ranged from sturgeon farm and beef marketing cash to “Universities of Distinction” and guardian program funding. But most of them had one thing in common: They appeared on Florida TaxWatch’s 2020 Budget Turkey Watch Report.
Coincidence or not, FTW President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro praised the Governor for signing a spending plan that tracked closely with the watchdog’s recommendations.
“Today, we are proud that Gov. DeSantis has heeded TaxWatch’s proposals and vetoed more than $1 billion from the FY2020-21 budget, including vetoing 81%, or 146 of the 180 projects and budget items identified by FTW as Budget Turkeys. The Governor also vetoed 518 member projects cutting more than $264 million from the budget,” Calabro said in a news release.
Calabro also pointed to flagging state revenues as proof the vetoes were justified.
“The May General Revenue collections report from the Office of Economic and Demographic Research (EDR) showed declines in revenue incomes for the second straight month, placing Florida down nearly $1.5 billion below estimates year to date. These losses underscore the need to resist complacency, double down on our resolve to defeat COVID-19, and continue to create and implement innovative solutions that ensure enduring fiscal accountability and strength for the Sunshine State,” he said.
“Just as we have for the past 40 years, FTW will continue to work tirelessly with state and local leaders on fiscal policy recommendations in the days, weeks and months ahead. Today’s vetoes from Gov. DeSantis are a measured and thoughtful approach and we thank him, his administration, and the countless officials who are working to guide Florida forward and help us emerge from this historical challenge stronger than ever before.”
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