Americans for Prosperity’s (AFP) Florida chapter unveiled its legislative scorecard, grading Florida legislators on their commitment to economic conservatism.
Two Republicans in the Florida Senate -- Sen. Jeff Brandes of St. Petersburg and Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast -- received “A+” grades from AFP and were named “champions of economic freedom” by the group. More than 40 members of the Florida House, all Republicans, including House Speaker Steve Crisafulli, R-Merritt Island, also earned “A+” grades from AFP. The conservative group stood with the House against Medicaid expansion while the Senate supported it.
Legislators were graded on a host of votes on regulation, taxes and other economics issues.
Chris Hudson, AFP’s director in Florida, noted more legislators garnered higher scores this year when compared to last year.
“The Economic Freedom Scorecard is the most comprehensive review of how Florida legislators voted on issues affecting the freedom of families and entrepreneurs to build a better, more prosperous future,” Hudson said on Monday. “Forty-eight members of the House and Senate received an 'A+,' while 32 received an 'F.' As compared to last year, when only 12 members received an 'A+' and 66 received an 'F,' these legislators should be commended for hearing the calls of their constituents and fighting for free-market reforms instead of protecting special interests and lobbyists.
“Our activists took over 200,000 actions during the 2015 legislative session,” Hudson added. “To that end, Floridians can see an increased number of elected officials throughout the state fought to protect the freedoms and pocketbooks of their constituents back home. However, far too many common-sense reforms were left on the table because other legislators were too focused on helping out their political allies with protectionist regulations and special interest handouts. Citizens should hold their elected officials accountable and ask them to explain why they vote the way they do.”
Rep. Shev Jones, D-West Park, was the highest ranking Democrat in the House with a score of 81 from AFP, giving him a “B” grade. Sen. Oscar Braynon, D-Miami Gardens, was the highest ranking Democrat in the Senate with an 84, giving him a “B” grade.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
