Episode 149: Top Influencers

On Trimmel Gomes’ latest episode of The Rotunda, Florida’s Republican leaders press forward with plans to ban abortions in the Sunshine State after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending nationwide protections on abortions. Gomes talks with Stephanie Fraim, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. She says it’s hypocritical for Gov. Ron DeSantis to veto birth control funding while limiting access to abortion services. She warns that most Republican leaders in Florida are set on ensuring that pregnancy is the only option. 

On Trimmel Gomes' latest episode of The Rotunda, lawmakers are back in Tallahassee to discuss and reform the state's property insurance market. Lawmakers like Sen. Jeff Brandes said the crisis has been brewing for too long. Governor Ron DeSantis scores another point in the legal saga over his controversial congressional redistricting map. A Florida appeals court is allowing it to take effect for now. Also, Doug Kelly of the American Edge Project calls on state leaders to be alert to Russia and China's increased cyberattacks and focus resources on American innovators. 

On this edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes, lawmakers are back in Tallahassee for a four-day session to pass new congressional maps as part of the redistricting process. Ellen Freidin, CEO and general counsel of Fair Districts Now, who led the campaign in 2010 to pass a constitutional amendment to prevent politicians from doing what the governor is doing now, shares her concerns about Gov. DeSantis' push to dismantle black representation. Also, pro-choice advocates are concerned about what they see as a continual erosion of women's rights in Florida but say they're also encouraged by the reactions of private companies across the country. Gomes talks with Amy Weintraub, Reproductive Rights Program director at Progress Florida.  

On this edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes, Florida's 2022 legislative is coming to a close. The record-setting $112 billion state spending plan is expected to be voted on Monday. Gomes zeroes in on educators concerned about some of the bills restricting speech, including Pranati "Pranoo" Kumar, founder of Rohi's Readery, social justice-focused children's book store, and learning center. Also, Dr. Candice Jones, a pediatrician in Orlando, shares her thoughts about Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo's announcement against vaccinating healthy children. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes looks at how L-G-B-T-Q advocates are turning their focus to encouraging words for young people who are gay, following the passage of Florida's "Parental Rights in Education" bill. Gomes talks with State Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Winter Park. Plus, a bipartisan bill vetoed by Governor DeSantis last year has passed both chambers. Christian Minor with the Florida Juvenile Justice Association explains how the measure could provide more leeway for juveniles to expunge or wipe clean their arrest records.

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes follows the passage of the 15-week abortion ban, which now heads to the governor. The Florida Senate also passes a bill to keep ‘unlawful’ migrants from coming to the state. 

Florida’s Chief Information Officer, Jamie Grant, talks with Gomes about how the state is preparing for any cybersecurity threats, including increased escalation by Russia. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes features President Biden’s first State of the Union speech Tuesday as he addresses the Ukraine crisis, pledging that the US will close off its air space to Russian flights. 

Mitch McConnell and Senate Republican leaders are warning Sen. Rick Scott that his agenda for the GOP is problematic. 

Gomes also shares highlights of ongoing budget negotiations in the Florida Legislature. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes tracks how some of Florida’s leaders are speaking out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Gomes also covers passionate debate on the House floor as lawmakers approve bills limiting discussions on race and advance the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. 

New episodes of The Rotunda Podcast are available every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during Florida’s 2022 Legislative Session. 

The Wednesday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes explores how millions of Florida children could be in jeopardy of becoming uninsured. Alison Yager with the Florida Health Justice Project discusses new research by Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, which warns children could lose coverage as soon as April, when states will have to recheck eligibility for everyone enrolled in Medicaid, including kids. Gomes also covers the “Don’t Say Gay” bill as it advances in the Florida House. Lawmakers take time to debate HB 7, entitled “Individual Freedom,” which bans the teachings of critical race theory in schools and workplaces. 

The Friday edition of The Rotunda Podcast hosted by Trimmel Gomes features Rep. Travaris McCurdy and Rep. Angie Nixon, two Black Democrats who are calling out racism after claiming Republican Rep. Cord Byrd, who is white, shouted expletives at them. The verbal altercation was triggered by protesters erupting in chants as Republicans approved a 15-week abortion ban. Gomes also tracks the questionable changes to the “Don’t Say Gay” bill as it advances, and the Senate passes its $109 billion spending plan without punishing school districts over mask mandates. 

New episodes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday.