STATEMENT BY FLORIDA HOUSE SPEAKER LARRY CRETUL

REGARDING PROPOSED SPECIAL SESSION

            “Right now state leaders should be focusing on protecting our state’s pristine coastlines and beaches, as well as those Floridians who may be impacted economically in the wake of this environmental disaster in the Gulf. 

            “Current state and federal law already bans drilling off the shores of Florida, and let me reaffirm that there are no efforts underway in the Legislature to change that.  Bringing the Legislature back into special session to debate a constitutional amendment for November’s election that simply duplicates current law is neither immediately urgent nor truly in the best interests of protecting Floridians, or our environment, or our economy; it is merely a political ploy to promote the future of politicians.

            “Further, the Governor was critical in a veto message during the past session of a legislative process he characterized as ‘legislation sped through committees without meaningful input.’ Surely any proposed amendment to the state Constitution warrants more than the hurried deliberation that such a special session would necessarily produce.

            “During this time of crisis, our state resources and leadership should be focused on solving the real problem at hand, not fighting political campaigns at taxpayers' expense.  Drilling in Florida's waters is currently banned by law and will remain so.  There is no need for taxpayers to pay for a special session just to provide a platform for politicians to score political points."