Once a year, students in my master’s program at the University of Florida follow a member of the Florida Legislature for a day. I was hosted by State Senator Maria Sachs (D), who represents parts of Broward and Palm Beach County.
While Congress is famed and derided for its gridlock, in the 50 state legislatures, especially part-time legislatures like Florida’s, laws move at a dizzying pace. After last week’s shock resignation of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll thanks to an internet gambling scandal, legislators jumped into action.
The Florida Senate seal in front of State Sen. Maria Sachs’s (D) office.
Sen. Sachs drafting an amendment to last-minute internet gaming legislation.
Sen. Sachs and State Sen. Garrett Richter (R) huddle before a contentious meeting of the Senate Committee on Gambling to take up the reform bill.
Santa Claus (center) testifies in support of gaming arcades to Sen. Sachs and Sen. Richter.
The visitor’s entrance to the Florida State Capitol.
Sen. Sachs holds up a binder of constituent emails in support during a meeting of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
Florida Senate pages make their rounds.
Sen. Sachs briefed before her final meeting of the day.
Your author with the Senator.