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Did you know the Constitution Revision Commission (CRC), which meets once every 20 years to review Florida’s Constitution, helped create the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in 1998?
Eight of the nine finalized ballot proposals by the 1998 CRC were successfully adopted by the public. They include:
- The creation of Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, which passed with 72 percent of the popular vote.
- Adjustments to the education system, which passed with 71 percent of the vote.
- The restructuring the State Cabinet, which eliminated the elected Cabinet positions of the Secretary of State and Secretary of Education, and merged the offices of Treasurer and Comptroller into the Chief Financial Officer. That measure passed with 56 percent.
- Increased ballot access, which (among other things) gave third party candidates easier access to the ballot, passed with 64 percent.
- The creation of a local option for criminal history records check and waiting period for the purchase of firearms, which passed with 72 percent.
These initiatives make an impact in our state to this day. And while eight out of the nine proposals passed, three of these would have failed today due to the 60 percent vote threshold needed to pass constitutional amendments. The CRC holds incredible power over Florida’s Constitution. Their decisions on topics ranging from gambling to education to redistricting to the courts, could impact Florida’s families and businesses for the next 20 years.
Not all those seeking to influence the process agree with our vision of Florida’s future. There is no doubt that plaintiff lawyers, extreme environmentalists, union officials, and out-of-state billionaires will seek to use this process to accomplish what they cannot do through the legislative process. Much work has been done by the Florida Chamber of Commerce to advocate for free market solutions and opportunity for all. Make no mistake – those accomplishments are in jeopardy any time the Florida Constitution is changed.
More than in any other political process in Florida, it is vital for the citizens to be informed, engaged, and skeptical. I encourage you to contact us today at cemmanuel@flchamber.com and get involved today.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about how the CRC works, who is appointed and the importance it can make to our state’s future, click here.