Ditchmen • NUCA of Florida Ditchmen - April 2021 | Page 14

Virtual Legislative Days a Success

On March 22 , NUCA of Florida kicked off their first-ever Virtual Legislative Days in lieu of our in-person “ Walk the Halls ” Legislative Days due to the pandemic . After a Legislative briefing by NUCA FL ’ s government affairs team , members heard from Julie Brown , the newly-appointed Secretary of the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation ( DBPR ). Secretary Brown shared her vision for improving customer service to contractors , increasing efficiency at the department and thwarting unlicensed contractor activity . Secretary Brown even shared her personal cell phone number with participants !
State Representative Andrew Learned also spoke to the members . A freshman lawmaker from Riverview , Rep . Learned shared how he had grown up in a construction- industry family and spoke about his legislative priorities for the Session . ( Note : Check out Rep . Learned ’ s profile in the April Ditchmen ).
Due to committee meetings , some scheduled lawmakers were unable to participate on March 22 . We did hear from Senator Perry ’ s aide , Keenen Vernon , and Senator Jason Brodeur ’ s aide Robbie Vogan who gave an update on our public works bill .
Additionally , Chapters around the state held virtual meetings with their local legislators throughout the week , sharing NUCA FL ’ s legislative priorities and discussing local concerns . Each legislator received our Legislative Brochure in advance of the meetings , outlining the top priorities for the state association .
The list of lawmakers that participated is included on the next page . Many thanks to those that made time to help advance issues of importance to NUCA of Florida and build-upon our advocacy efforts statewide .
Rep . Jenner
12 DITCHMEN • APRIL 2021