Author: Daniel Diaz

And Now, Election Day

Daniel Diaz |

Welcome to a terrifying edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter, for the week of 10/30. It’s that time of year, with nervous discussions and whispers about what terrors will be revealed as the sun dims and the night unfolds, and suspense builds with either raucous excitement or utter dread, before ultimately concluding with someone screaming. Unrelated- it’s also Halloween!

But also- it’s finally Election Week! While early voting continues statewide until October 31st, only 4 days remain between now and Election Day. If you haven’t turned out your ballot, this special edition will be all about making sure you’re prepped to go, but regardless of whether you have or not, we’ve got some critical and final opportunities to make sure that Labor 2026 has the turnout we need to turn the tide in the Sunshine State! Let’s get into it!

🇺🇸 All that’s left to do is to vote!

Early voting has been taking place all week long across Florida, and as of the time of writing this afternoon, over 1/3 of all of Florida’s eligible voters have cast their ballots early! With 33% of the electorate turning out as of this Friday (early voting continues through the end of day tomorrow), the Sunshine state is looking eager. For comparison, in 2024, 48% of voters turned out early, a boost aided by a Presidential race being on the ticket. For a non-presidential election however, these are strong numbers to begin with, bolstered further when you consider that during the last mid-terms, only 29% of the state early voted.

That said, a whole 2/3 of Florida’s voters have yet to decide and cast their vote, and there are only 4 days left to help them! All that’s left is the finish line, so let’s help them cross it!

🗳️A Refresher on the Labor 2026 Ballot

We always want to stress that your vote is your ultimately entirely your own (as it very well should be!) and it’s the candidates and campaign’s job to convince you that they are the best fit for you. If you’re a regular reader of the Labor Letter, chances are you are particularly well informed on the issues important to you and Florida labor, but that doesn’t mean your neighbors are! As your family members and wider communities get ready to turnout, we want to make sure they are informed too, and so here’s a refresher of some of the top goals and issues we’ve been fighting for this November:

Ending the Supermajority

The driving force behind the momentum of the Legislature’s most brutal and un-checked anti-worker efforts in recent years, the Florida Legislature has been allowed to operate under a one-party supermajority in both chambers since 2022, which along with the almost 30 years of unbroken single-party control across it’s three branches, has allowed for an unchecked green-light of legislation on everything from culture war issues, attacks on public education, weakened labor laws, restrictions on free speech and just about everything besides the issues most important to us.

This issue is not about what party you belong to, this is about reigning in the extreme politics that have thrown away caring about anything else at the expense of the very real and serious issues that impact all our day to day lives.

The supermajority has allowed for procedure to be over-ridden, restricting debate, discussion, and amendments, and allowing for the fast-tracking of broadly unpopular efforts that long stood out of reach. Now, the consequences of those decisions are rearing their heads as the cost of living escalates, our right to organize comes under attack, and healthcare access is on the line. This year finally gives Florida’s working families a window to end the 2/3 supermajority in both chambers and restore procedure and patience to the Florida Legislature and force the conversation back onto the issues that really matter.

But we can’t change the legislature without electing labor-friendly legislators, and we’ve got a ton of them on both sides ready to make it happen:

Your Working Families Labor Endorsed Candidates

As a project of Solidarity, we always want to keep our members informed, which is why your Florida Labor Family spent a great deal of time together earlier this year at our COPE Convention in order to vet, interview, and vote on the endorsement of candidates from across the political spectrum that we as a federation share our enthusiasm for as some of the best candidates who will fight for Florida’s working families.

Before we highlight some below, make sure to visit our Labor 2026 Endorsement page for the full list of candidates that we as a labor family believe are some of the best to help us carve out (and protect) a brighter future for Florida labor.

For statewide office, the labor endorsed Florida Cabinet includes David Jolly for Governor, Jose Javier Rodriguez (JJR) for Attorney General, and Annette Taddeo for CFO.

The Florida Cabinet seats aren’t the only statewide seats up for upset this year, and our endorsements extend to Congress as well, such as Angie Nixon for U.S Senate, who is taking on the former Lt. Governor (who oversaw the use of $10 million of our taxpayer funds for political purposes) turned appointed Senator Ashley Moody.

In the U.S House, there are a host of existing friends of Labor up for re-election, like Representatives Darren Soto (FL-9) and Kathy Castor (FL-14), and labor backed hopefuls on track for an upset like Leela Gray (FL-13) and Pia Dandiya (FL-22) who are looking to put an end to D.C’s distracting culture wars and put solutions back on track.

Critically as we mentioned though, there are a host of important seats in the Florida Senate and Florida House that could make or break the legislative supermajority, and put real, tangible checks and balances back in place for Florida’s everyday families. These include (but are not limited to):

  • HD 37 – Lindsay Polega Quigley, who is fighting to preserve a seat formerly held by friend of Labor Rep. Lindsay Cross!
  • SD 14 – Brian Nathan, a member of our own FL AFL-CIO labor family, who sent national shockwaves with Emily Gregory (HD 47) when they both flipped formerly solid red districts, including the one representing our sitting President!
  • HD 100 – Todd Delmay and HD 101 – Michael Ferguson, who both carry real experience fighting for the working class, and are looking to put Broward County’s working families back in control.

The full list of labor-endorsed candidates runs across the entire state, and no matter where you are, we will need you and your communities’ help to make sure that the wave of change hits Florida’s shores!

Beware The Amendments

This year, our FL AFL-CIO adopted a resolution for all three of Florida’s proposed Constitutional Amendments, encouraging a:

  • NO on Amendment 1 – Budget Stabilization
  • NO on Amendment 2 – Agricultural-related tangible personal property
  • NO on Amendment 3 – Homestead Tax Exemptions, Property Assessments, and Spending Restrictions*

Let’s keep it real: No one is opposed to the idea of lower property taxes or relief on their wallets, but let’s be clear: Amendment 3 is utterly and objectively not what it’s being sold as.

Whether it was the Governor’s rushed and unruly passage of the Amendment in a late, 4 day long Special Session, the court that found its original title and pitch as extremely misleading and forcing it to be re-written, the massive bipartisan opposition from governor-allied figures like Sheriff Grady Judd and local county officials, or the late stage wisdom of supporters-turned-opposition figures like current and former Senate Presidents Ben Albritton and Kathleen Passidomo – the consensus is widely observed:

“…it is a well-intentioned bill, but you know, the road to hell is paved with them.” – Senate President Kathleen Passidomo

We have detailed at length the risk that this amendment poses not just to the funding of local essential services, but their very ability to exist, as well as the jobs that enable them—and that’s all before the massive cost of life increase that would follow. We highly encourage you to spread the word and visit our partner coalition website Save our Services to learn more and spread the word: NO on 3!

🗓️On the Horizon: The Election and Final Efforts to GOTV

The time to vote is HERE! Last week’s mini Labor Letter covered in depth all that you need to know before you go vote, which we recommend a quick pass through again before you head to your nearest polling place before Early Voting ends October 31st or even on Election Day itself on November 3rd

If you prefer the tradition of voting on election day, have early voted already in your county, or have sent your ballot in by mail, a) thank you and b) we still need your help in this final push this weekend. There is still critical work to be done in mobilizing our members over the next week! With one full day of early voting left, and 2/3 the electorate still yet to turn out on Tuesday, we have several opportunities to help us GOTV in this final sprint before the election!

  • Statewide
    • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
      • We’re here now! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
        • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
        • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
        • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
        • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
        • Statewide Early voting (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
        • Election Day:  November 3, 2026 <— YOU ARE HERE (Finally!)
  • Digital

🔐Voter Protection Resources

We can’t take anything for granted on Election Day—especially when we know that the administration is already taking steps to prevent results and keep power. If you have problems voting, make sure to call 866-OUR VOTE (866-687-8683) or visit 866ourvote.org to speak with trained Election Protection Volunteers who can help you ensure that there is nothing standing between you and your ballot but you hand and pen.

Visit makeaplantovote.com/early to get started on your voting plan and if you’ve got time, find a volunteer event to help us turn out union voters to the polls.

When we vote, we win

That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

Florida Labor Letter – Go Time in the Sunshine State (Week of 10/23)

Daniel Diaz |

Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 10/23! At the time of writing, there are only 11 days between us and Election Day, and early voting goes statewide for a week starting tomorrow. Appropriately, the enthusiasm is high, and Florida has been thrust into national focus, which means that as the races get tighter, we will need to get involved as much as possible to ensure that the path to our labor-endorsed future crosses the finish line. Let’s get into it!

🗳️Electoral News

Electoral Eyes Look Towards Shoring up Their Florida Project

As evidenced by its appearance on the front page of the New York Times this morning, Florida has increasingly become a center of national electoral attention as the November mid-terms hurdle towards their final destination.

Unique among a slew of otherwise predictably close national races in states such as Alaska, Texas, and Michigan, the battle for congressional control has suddenly returned to the once regarded Swing State of Florida. It’s an October surprise emerging amidst a combination of factors, including the backlash of last ditch attempts to seal the deal in tossup states like Ohio (See: Vivek Ramaswamy’s despicably personal attack ad on his opponent) as well as incredibly close polling and forecasted upsets across Florida’s races.

The result has been the amplification of a message that Florida’s Working Families have been saying all along: Florida is in play! But being in play does not guarantee a victory, which is why the state has fielded visitors on both sides to shore up support, including Former President Bill Clinton, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders, Vice President J.D. Vance, and President Donald Trump. The lesson is clear though for the folks on the ground, this is not the time to ease up on the gas, it’s the time to empty the tank.

More Amendment 3 Opposition Emerges…from the People that Passed It?

As the calendar shrinks for the candidates, so too does it for the issues, including the tax shift scam that is Amendment 3. This week, as bipartisan opposition continues to mount and supporters continue to ad buy to try to mislead the voters on the initiative’s so called “savings”, a new point of view has entered the conversation, that of the legislators who allowed the flawed product to pass!

This Tuesday, Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, who once proudly presided over the passage of Amendment 3 through the Florida Senate, came out and announced his sudden opposition to the idea, joining former lawmakers who had helped vote up the bill such as Former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, who earlier this month remarked that the initiative was a “well intentioned bill” but that “…the road to hell is paved with them.”

While there is an opportunity for schadenfreude in the irony of their realization (we’ll leave you to speculate the nature of that), the situation makes blatantly clear that ultimately, the only “told you so” that continues to need stressing is that indeed, Amendment 3 is a fundamentally harmful initiative, that will cost Floridians in jobs, services, and their wallets much more than it could ever save.

We’ll Need to Turn Out to Turn Out Turnout!

This November will ultimately be decided by the same thing all U.S elections are: by the turnout of voters

Despite early voting extending statewide as of tomorrow, many of Florida’s counties have already began to open their doors throughout this week. As such, turnout has already begun to be measured! In a state of over 13 million eligible voters, over 2 million have already cast their ballots before Early Voting goes statewide! Wow!

As of Friday morning, the Florida Democratic Party leads in early voting turnout so far, though Florida Republicans still command a registration lead as the largest voting block, and it remains to be seen if their numbers advantage is mobilized as we march towards election day. Separately, the cautious and lower turnout so far of Florida’s frustrated Nonpartisans also indicate that millions of Floridians are still carefully evaluating their ballots ahead of election day.

Regardless of affiliation, turnout does not reflect how these voters actually voted, which we will have to wait till Election day to find out, but it does indicate that the opportunity to change minds and get out the vote is shrinking, and the time for action to mobilize our working families is now! Whether you have headed to the ballot box already or not, we need your help!

✊Solidarity Spotlight

A Moment of Appreciation for the folks driving Labor 2026

Elections don’t just cost money, they cost time, and effort, and dedication, which is why, though we absolutely need to keep the pedal to the medal, we also want to take a moment to appreciate all of the incredible volunteers and working families who have given their time, effort, and dedication over the last several months to the cause of a brighter Florida.

Since the end of the legislative session, our members across the state have knocked on tens of thousands of doors, made tens of thousands of phone calls, and held events everywhere, whether it be statewide town halls with our labor endorsed candidates, registrations and education at No Kings protests, or Labor Day press conferences. These contributions have helped elevate the candidates and issues that drive Labor 2026 and have kept Florida in the conversation well past when corporate interests and the parties thought it would be.

We can’t be thankful enough for the effort driving those results so far, whether it be the staff assisting from the national AFL-CIO, the incredible day to night work of our state federation field staff, and of course the organizing members and unions on the ground in each of our CLCs who have contributed to spreading the word via phone, foot, and conversation.

Now that we’ve kept the conversation in Florida going, it’s time to turn the talk into action. With just over a week to election day, every day, every evening, and every vote will count as we rally towards the finish line! Here is how you can get involved:

🗓️On the Horizon: Get Involved with Early Voting Week

The time to vote is HERE! Last week’s mini Labor Letter covered in depth all that you need to know before you go early vote, which we recommend a quick pass through before you head to your nearest polling place when early voting begins everywhere in Florida tomorrow, October 24th, and runs through October 31st.

If you prefer the tradition of voting on election day, have early voted already in your county, or have sent your ballot in by mail, a) thank you and b) we still need your help as there is still critical work to be done in mobilizing our members over the next week! As always, our Mobilize is the best place to stay up to date, though here are several critical events to have on your calendar next week!

  • Statewide
    • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
      • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
        • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
        • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
        • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
        • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
        • Statewide Early voting (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026 <— YOU ARE HERE
        • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
  • Digital
    • This Weekend
      • Saturday, October 24th @ 9:30AM: National AFL-CIO Phone Bank for Florida!
        • This weekend our labor family from across the nation will be joining us in leading a phone banking effort for Florida’s Congressional Districts, starting with CD 14 and Labor Endorsed Candidate Kathy Castor! Make sure to register at the link above for the morning shift, as that is the one specifically for Florida!
    • Next Week
      • EVERY DAY: GOTV Scale to Win Calls (Statewide)
        • Throughout Early Voting week, we will be expanding the scale of our Phonebanks as we call our members to ensure each and every worker is able to get out to vote! Phonebanks will be expanded to every day of the week, with two open shifts, including a daytime option for those available to join or lend time while voting precincts are open.
      • Monday, October 26th @ 6:00PM: FL Labor All-Hands Meeting (Early Voting Week!)
        • Every Monday we have been hosting your FL AFL-CIO family for a Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck call. As we head towards the final week before election day, this is a critical chance to meet and receive the latest updates from the campaign front lines, answer any questions, make requests, as well as hear about the mobilizing efforts as we prepare to get out the vote. You can attend the meeting via this zoom link.
  • Regional (By CLC)
    • GOTV Lit Drops (By CLC)
      • Phones aren’t the only way we are getting out the word on GOTV. Starting next week, several of our CLCs will be hosting literature drops in their communities in the morning before joining our daily statewide phonebanks.
        • Since the Labor Letter goes out at the end of the week, we encourage anyone looking to join these efforts stay tuned to our Mobilize, as well as reach out to your local CLC and/or info@flaflcio.org to make sure you are notified as soon as possible.
    • Additional Canvassing Opportunities for this weekend and next on Mobilize!

🔐Voter Protection Resources

    We can’t take anything for granted on Election Day—especially when we know that the administration is already taking steps to prevent results and keep power. If you have problems voting, make sure to call 866-OUR VOTE (866-687-8683) or visit 866ourvote.org to speak with trained Election Protection Volunteers who can help you ensure that there is nothing standing between you and your ballot but you hand and pen.

    Visit makeaplantovote.com/early to get started on your voting plan and if you’ve got time, find a volunteer event to help us turn out union voters to the polls.

    When we vote, we win

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    (Mini) Florida Labor Letter – Prepare to Early Vote!(Week of 10/16)

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 10/16. We arrive on the other side of Hurricane Isaias, which charged through Northwest Florida last weekend and through which recovery efforts continue (to the frustrated reception of some citizens). We continue to advise taking advantage of the resources listed in our previous Labor Letter for those in need or looking to lend a hand. Elsewhere in the state, preparations have begun for early voting, which begins in earnest next week! As such, this shortened edition will be all business as we prep to turn out for our Democratic Republic!

    🗳️Electoral News

    All You Need to Know About Early Voting

    Photo Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky

    It’s almost time! At long last, Florida voters can begin heading to the polls as soon as Monday, Oct. 19 in some counties (see below for a breakdown) to choose a new governor, decide congressional and local races, and weigh three proposed changes to the state constitution. As such, we wanted to make sure you had a comprehensive list of must knows before you head out:

    When and How to Vote Early: By Mail

    Over the last 2 weeks, mail-in ballots have gone out to voters across the state of Florida, eager to be filled and properly returned when Early Voting kicks off next week. If you were expecting a mail ballot and it has not yet arrived, you may re-request one from your county’s Supervisor of Elections by no later than 5pm on October 22nd per state law.

    From that point forward, a returned and filled mail-in ballot must be received, regardless of postmark, by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7:00 pm (local time) on Election Day. Courtesy the hard work, efficiency, and dedication of our letter carriers and postal workers, we of course encourage you to return your ballot by mail via the U.S Postal Service and its union workforce to ensure its safe and timely delivery!

    When and How to Vote Early: By County

    As you’ve likely seen in our important dates section, the state of Florida requires early voting be made available in every county during the mandatory period of October 24th-31st.

    That said, some Florida counties opt to add additional early voting days, especially in our larger communities, starting as soon as next Monday, October 19th. Our teachers over at the Florida Education Association were well prepared, as they always are for coming due dates, and put together this lovely graphic detailing each county’s voting dates, which you can find and support on their Facebook Page. Thank you to our teachers!

    What to Bring to Vote:

    Per the Florida Divisions of Elections:

    Whether voting during early voting or on Election Day, you must bring a current and valid photo ID with signature. Any one of the following photo IDs will be accepted:

    • Florida driver license
    • Florida identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles
    • United States passport
    • Debit or credit card
    • Military identification
    • Student identification
    • Retirement center identification
    • Neighborhood association identification
    • Public assistance identification
    • Veteran health identification card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
    • License to carry a concealed weapon or firearm issued pursuant to s. 790.06
    • Employee identification card issued by any branch, department, agency, or entity of the Federal Government, the state, a county, or a municipality.

    If your photo ID does not include your signature, you will be asked to provide another ID that has your signature.

    Wait, What about the Recent Election Law that passed? What was it called, HB 991?

    Former Rep. Persons-Mulicka was appointed Lee County Supervisor of Elections for her hard work in passing new draconian restrictions on our future ability to vote.

    Good memory dear reader. Yes, earlier this year the Legislature passed a Florida version of the nationally failed SAVE Act, seeking to disenfranchise Florida Voters of their right to hold their elected officials accountable. Thankfully, despite the Legislature’s best attempts to upend voter rolls just months before an important election, you should know that these new requirements will not be in place for or impact the 2026 elections, with the bill having been amended before final passage to take effect next year in 2027.

    Finally: Know Your Rights!

    Don’t let the success of some bills get it twisted this election. As a Voter and Citizen, YOU HAVE RIGHTS! This extends to voting as much as anywhere else, so best to know ahead of time what they are.

    While election laws are set at the state and local jurisdiction, there are federal laws that provide all of us with rights and protections as we vote. These are just baseline laws; in fact, Florida has additional protections, such as those for Felons seeking the restoration of their right to vote, which you can familiarize yourself with here. Otherwise, Here are your basic protections:

    1. No Intimidation: You have the right to vote and register to vote without intimidation.
    2. Stay In Line: You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polling place closes. (To avoid any risk of this one, make sure to take advantage of the flexible opportunity that early voting dates provide!)
    3. Ask for Help: You have the right to ask for a new ballot if you make a mistake. Make the right vote, not a rushed one!
    4. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): You have the right to ask for an accommodation if you are disabled.
    5. Right to Privacy: You have the right to vote privately and independently.

    If you have problems voting, whether for you or others, Call 866-OUR VOTE (866-687-8683) or visit 866ourvote.org to speak with a trained Election Protection Volunteer.

    Finally, treat your local election staff and supervisors kindly. Voting is a sacred and important part of maintaining and improving our nation at large, and its ability to do so starts with you and the people who make it happen every day. Let’s get voting!

    🗓️On the Horizon

    The closer we get to November, the more and more opportunities we have to make a difference in our communities. We are putting on events to make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but are well equipped to spread the word on our Labor 2026 slate of candidates and more. As always, staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to allows you to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full list and breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026 <– YOU ARE HERE
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • (EVERY WEEK) Tuesday – Thursday: Virtual Phone Bank for Labor Endorsed Candidates + No on 3
        • Join us calling union members and their families to learn about the issues they’re facing in an increasingly costly state and educate them about the pro-working-family candidates that the Florida’s unions have endorsed in November. With shifts available every Tuesday-Thursday and no prior experience required, this is an excellent and easily accessible way to get involved no matter where you are in the state.
        • All you need is a phone, laptop, computer, or tablet! Click the link above to sign up!
      • October 19th: Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck @ 6:00PM
        • Every Monday from now until November, join your FL AFL-CIO family for a Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck call. Receive the latest updates from the campaign front lines, share in victories and stories, as well as hear from some of our Labor Endorsed Candidates about your direct impact on their campaign! Next Week’s meeting will feature John Lowndes, our endorsed candidate for Senate District 14! Join by attending the meeting via this zoom link.
      • First Monday of every Month: FLARA Monthly Meetings
        • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their monthly zoom meetings. FLARA meets on the first Friday of every month at 10 AM EST, and features guest speakers and relevant information for retirees from national and state governments as well as important information on demonstrations, partner activities, etc.
        • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the monthly invitation.
    • Regional (By CLC)

    🛠️Business Board

    Labor Votes Election Trainings from the National AFL-CIO

    ELECTION TRAININGS: You are the tip of our spear! Keep your edge this election as you campaign by continuing your education! Here are some training opportunities provided by the National AFL-CIO to help take action and prepare without leaving your home or office.

    Resources to Learn More About Amendment 3!

    Amendment 3 is one of the most important issues on the November Ballot, with stakes both actually and unfortunately as high as the fate of our local government’s ability to provide basic public services and jobs. That is why the Florida AFL-CIO has partnered with a numbered of organizations in joining the bipartisan Save our Services Coalition against this dangerous amendment.

    With an issue as complex as property taxes, it can get a bit confusing, and the way the amendment is written does no favors to Florida’s voters, which is why education on the issue matters most. Resources to learn more about Amendment 3 and it’s impacts, like the above report on how the amendment would eliminate jobs can be found on sosfl.org.

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Stay safe this weekend and thank you for reading. As always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    Florida Labor Letter – Hurricane Resources & Mail-in Ballots (Week of 10/9)

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 10/9. Before we get into this week’s issue, a quick word on the storm currently set to impact Florida this weekend:

    Hurricane Isaias Resources

    Photo Credit: NOAA

    We wanted to take a brief moment at the top to mention the incoming storm, Hurricane Isaias (EEH-sah-EEH-ess), which is set to make landfall with and through Florida’s Gulf Coast this weekend. As of early Friday afternoon, Hurricane Isaias is located about 175 miles south of Pensacola, moving north-northeast at just over 15 mph. Maximum sustained winds are at the time of writing around 120 mph, pushing Isaias into being classified as Category 3 Hurricane. As a result, we urge our brothers, sisters, and kin in the region to take safe shelter through this weekend, and we ask our siblings statewide to put them in your thoughts.

    As our families prepare and endure this weekend, we also wanted to direct you to several important Florida Government resources and services for those in Hurricane impacted parts of the state. These have been collected and summarized helpfully courtesy of The Florida Channel, where you can also watch the very latest storm updates from the Governor and Florida Division of Emergency Management as soon as they roll in:

    🗳️Electoral News

    Make a Plan for Mail in Ballots and Early Voting!

    Photo Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images North America via The Orlando Sentinel

    With the last day to register to vote in this election being this past Monday, the first important voter deadline of the November election has passed, but there are more important ones on the horizon!

    Over the last week-and-a-half, mail ballots have gone out to voters across the state of Florida, eager to be filled and properly returned. If you were expecting a mail ballot and it has not yet arrived, you may re-request one from your county’s Supervisor of Elections by no later than 5pm on October 22nd per state law.

    From that point forward, a returned and filled mail-in ballot must be received, regardless of postmark, by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7:00 pm (local time) on Election Day. Courtesy the hard work, efficiency, and dedication of our letter carriers and postal workers, we of course encourage you to return your ballot by mail via the U.S Postal Service and its union workforce to ensure its safe delivery!

    As you’ve likely seen in our important dates section, the state of Florida requires early voting be made available in every county during the mandatory period of October 24th-31st. That said, some Florida counties opt to add additional early voting days, to which our siblings over at the Florida Education Association went ahead and detailed in this lovely graphic this week, which you can find and support on their Facebook Page. Thank you to our teachers!

    ✊Solidarity Spotlight

    Unite Here & Central Florida Featurette For Canvassing!

    Photo Credit: Unite Here

    This week, Central Florida’s UNITE HERE 737 & 362 received a featured story in Florida Politics for their ongoing work as part of the Central Florida AFL-CIO‘s ongoing massive mobilization effort for Labor 2026.

    After having knocked on nearly 12,000 doors in the region for the Florida Primary, over 30 full time workers, volunteers and more have been hard at work seeking to top that number with a goal of 30,000 doors before election day. In highlighting the value of a face to face interaction during campaign season, UNITE Here’s 737’s own Ella Wood told reporters:

    “When people see a union member come to their door … or someone who can say, ‘I work for this hourly wage. I know what it’s like to struggle. We need to change. That carries some real credibility and authority.”

    You can read the full story here!

    🗓️On the Horizon

    The closer we get to November, the more and more opportunities we have to make a difference in our communities. We are putting on events to make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but are well equipped to spread the word on our Labor 2026 slate of candidates and more. As always, staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to allows you to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full list and breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026 <– YOU ARE HERE
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • (EVERY WEEK) Tuesday – Thursday: Virtual Phone Bank for Labor Endorsed Candidates + No on 3
        • Join us calling union members and their families to learn about the issues they’re facing in an increasingly costly state and educate them about the pro-working-family candidates that the Florida’s unions have endorsed in November. With shifts available every Tuesday-Thursday and no prior experience required, this is an excellent and easily accessible way to get involved no matter where you are in the state.
        • All you need is a phone, laptop, computer, or tablet! Click the link above to sign up!
      • October 12th: Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck @ 6:00PM
        • Every Monday from now until November, join your FL AFL-CIO family for a Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck call. Receive the latest updates from the campaign front lines, share in victories and stories, as well as hear from some of our Labor Endorsed Candidates about your direct impact on their campaign! This Monday October 12th, look forward to talking about the state of the race and more with special guest attendee Emily Gregory, whose FL AFL-CIO Endorsed Candidacy is running for re-election in HD 87 after her national news worthy upset in Palm Beach county! Join by attending the meeting via this zoom link.
      • October 20th: Labor Statewide Town Hall 3 @ 7:00PM
        • This final Labor Town Hall in our ongoing series with the Florida Education Association brings our working families together to have a discussion and a Q&A with one final and important candidate on the Labor 2026 ticket: the FL AFL-CIO Endorsed Gubernatorial Candidate David Jolly
        • Union members from all industries in Florida are invited to attend, ask questions of David Jolly and discuss how we can create the change we need statewide. Register at the link above!
      • First Monday of every Month: FLARA Monthly Meetings
        • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their monthly zoom meetings. FLARA meets on the first Friday of every month at 10 AM EST, and features guest speakers and relevant information for retirees from national and state governments as well as important information on demonstrations, partner activities, etc.
        • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the monthly invitation.
    • Regional (By CLC)

    🛠️Business Board

    Labor Votes Election Trainings from the National AFL-CIO

    ELECTION TRAININGS: You are the tip of our spear! Keep your edge this election as you campaign by continuing your education! Here are some training opportunities provided by the National AFL-CIO to help take action and prepare without leaving your home or office.

    Resources to Learn More About Amendment 3!

    Amendment 3 is one of the most important issues on the November Ballot, with stakes both actually and unfortunately as high as the fate of our local government’s ability to provide basic public services and jobs. That is why the Florida AFL-CIO has partnered with a numbered of organizations in joining the bipartisan Save our Services Coalition against this dangerous amendment.

    With an issue as complex as property taxes, it can get a bit confusing, and the way the amendment is written does no favors to Florida’s voters, which is why education on the issue matters most. Resources to learn more about Amendment 3 and it’s impacts, like the above report on how the amendment would eliminate jobs can be found on sosfl.org.

    📸Bonus Bulletin

    Canvassing 🤝 Trick or Treating: October door-knocking traditions

    Photo Credit: Trevor Sweet

    As the door knocking continues across Florida, we are gently reminded by the growing number of skeletons, ghouls, and monsters adorning doorsteps that we’re not the only things that come knocking in October. The real question is what is scarier, a freakish creature of the night coming to suck your blood, or another two to four years without change? All I know is one deserves a candy, and one definitely deserves a rock…

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Stay safe this weekend and thank you for reading. As always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    Florida Labor Letter – Higher Wages and Ever Shrinking Calendars (Week of 10/2)

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 10/2. It’s the first week of October, but the scariest thing in our opinion right now is not being registered to vote, and those gas prices (this is the part where you visualize us slapping our knees and laughing.)

    Jokes aside, this week’s issue will get straight to business, as we hit the campaign trails this weekend and continue to open up the opportunity for you to participate in road to a Labor 2026 Victory in Florida! Also, a welcome “holiday” of sorts for Florida’s paychecks and a good reason to remember what we’re fighting for. Let’s get into it.

    🗳️Electoral News

    Voter Registration Deadline October 5th!

    This one is short and sweet, check your voter registration! The process of verifying your registration takes less than 5 minutes, and can be done with a number of tools and with a number of sites, including the National AFL-CIO‘s, Make A Plan To Vote, and the State of Florida’s Division of Elections!

    Remember, no matter how you vote nor when you vote, you’ll need to be registered to do so, so make sure there is nothing standing between you and your ballot box by checking your registration now! The Final Day to Register to be Eligible to Vote in November’s Elections is Monday, October 5th, only 3 days away!

    🍊Florida Labor News

    Florida Minimum Wage (Finally) Increases to $15/hour!

    Photo Credit: McKenna Schueler/Orlando Weekly

    If anyone needed a reminder about the potential impact a working families victory could have for the state of Florida, many this week simply needed to reference their paycheck!

    This Wednesday, workers everywhere benefited when the Florida minimum wage finally rose to $15/hr. The long overdue raise arrives just 6 years after 2020, when Florida voters overwhelmingly approved Amendment 2 which increased the state minimum wage (previously $8.56/hr) to $10 and then increased it by $1/yr until 2026.

    Thanks to the directly applied will of the voters, Florida’s minimum wage is now over double the criminally low Federal minimum wage (which has not increased since 2009), and will continue to increase as a part of our State Constitution, free from the legislature’s restriction (though in the past several sessions, lawmakers have tried to find loopholes.) Moving forward, the state’s minimum wage will be tied closer to inflation and the cost of living, with the next increase coming in 2028 based on 2027 Consumer Price Index numbers.

    Florida’s working families endorsed and campaigned hard in 2020 to achieve the adoption of Amendment 2, and this week spoke to Orlando Weekly’s McKenna Schueler for a look back on what the victory means now. Florida AFL-CIO Director of Politics and Public Policy Rich Templin said:

    “For the longest time, the misinformation has been put out there that minimum wage only affects, you know, high school kids getting their first job. That’s just not accurate. There are families that are living on that wage, and I hope people celebrate that, but I also hope they realize it wouldn’t even be $15 an hour if it wasn’t for organizing and the people taking a stand, and I think maybe it’s time for them to do that again and raise that wage even higher.”

    It’s a good reminder that great change can take shape during election seasons, and that there is still much to do and improve. It’s also a good reminder that the power to drive that change doesn’t rest simply within the legislature (with the minimum wage in fact, it never did), but ultimately is within the will of the voters.

    🗓️On the Horizon (NEW EVENTS)

    The closer we get to November, the more and more opportunities we have to make a difference in our communities. We are putting on events to make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but are well equipped to spread the word on our Labor 2026 slate of candidates and more. As always, staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to allows you to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026 <– YOU ARE HERE
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • (EVERY WEEK) Tuesday – Thursday: Virtual Phone Bank for Labor Endorsed Candidates + No on 3
        • Join us calling union members and their families to learn about the issues they’re facing in an increasingly costly state and educate them about the pro-working-family candidates that the Florida’s unions have endorsed in November. With shifts available every Tuesday-Thursday and no prior experience required, this is an excellent and easily accessible way to get involved no matter where you are in the state.
        • All you need is a phone, laptop, computer, or tablet!
      • October 2nd: Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck @ 6:00PM
        • Every Monday from now until November, join your FL AFL-CIO family for a Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck call. Receive the latest updates from the campaign front lines, share in victories and stories, as well as hear from some of our Labor Endorsed Candidates about your direct impact on their campaign! This Monday October 2nd, look forward to talking about the state of the race with FL AFL-CIO Endorsed Attorney General Candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez (JJR)! You can attend the meeting via this zoom link.
      • October 7th: Statewide Labor Town Hall with Labor Candidates @ 7:00PM
        • Join us in our second statewide Labor Town Hall to hear from labor endorsed candidates and more on why turning out for this important election is critical to helping Florida’s working families realize a brighter, better way of life. This event will feature several candidates including Gwen Graham, Jose Javier Rodriguez, and Angie Nixon!
        • Union members from all industries in Florida are invited to attend, ask questions of invited candidate and discuss how we can create the change we need. Register at the link above!
      • First Monday of every Month: FLARA Monthly Meetings
        • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their monthly zoom meetings. FLARA meets on the first Friday of every month at 10 AM EST, and features guest speakers and relevant information for retirees from national and state governments as well as important information on demonstrations, partner activities, etc.
        • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the monthly invitation.
    • Regional (By CLC)

    🛠️Business Board

    Election Trainings from the National AFL-CIO

    Resources to Learn More About Amendment 3!

    Amendment 3 is one of the most important issues on the November Ballot, with stakes both actually and unfortunately as high as the fate of our local government’s ability to provide basic public services and jobs. That is why the Florida AFL-CIO has partnered with a numbered of organizations in joining the bipartisan Save our Services Coalition against this dangerous amendment.

    With an issue as complex as property taxes, it can get a bit confusing, and the way the amendment is written does no favors to Florida’s voters, which is why education on the issue matters most. Resources to learn more about Amendment 3 and it’s impacts, like the above report on how the amendment would eliminate jobs can be found on sosfl.org.

    🎯Bonus Bulletin

    About those Campaign Messages

    There is no shortage of “spam” texts, calls, and more this campaign season, but make sure that as you clear out or ignore the clutter, you’re not ignoring your brothers and sister’s. We’re still phonebanking and just trying to make sure you’re registered, you hear?!

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    Florida Labor Letter – The Job’s Not Finished! (Week of 9/25)

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 9/25. With less than 40 days until Election Day, pollsters statewide have returned with new and revised predictions about the direction the state might go in Florida. We thought it a good idea to bring you some of the noteworthy developments as some races get tighter and others shift in new and interesting directions. The main goal is to remind you though that as this week’s title suggests- the job is not finished, and the week’s ahead are going to require as many of our Working Families to get involved as possible to secure the victories needed to achieve a brighter Florida! Let’s get into it.

    🗳️Electoral News

    A Midterm Status Report – As of 9/25

    No matter where you look, news about the races in Florida have been pretty consistent: It’s anyone’s race. Such has been the mood for a while as politicos have documented that despite the registration lead of the Florida GOP, Florida’s elections have remained largely competitive—the product of a long frustrated electorate coupled with the historical momentum that usually accompanies an out of power party during mid-terms. Even among the more politically cynical and mathematically inclined, the thought is pervasive this year: there is a chance for real change to take shape in Florida this November.

    Now what form that change will take though, and to what degree, is still largely up in the air and will ultimately come down to us, the voters! Still, we’re seeing the work of our working families and others across the state to educate, register, and mobilize each other start to become reflected in the shifting attitudes of voters polled this month. Here are some few examples:

    As to the Governor’s Race

    When it comes to Florida, many stories have centered around the non-zero chance that Floridians upset the 26-year win streak the Florida GOP has held on to the Governor’s mansion. Such a result would be major news, especially considering Governor DeSantis’ win by historic margins just four years ago. A lot can happen in four years though, and after several sessions of culture wars, partisan steamrolling, personal vendettas across chambers, and ignoring the real issues that Florida families are facing, Florida’s electorate is increasingly frustrated and hesitant to elect an executive who seeks to stay that course.

    Over the past several months, our working families have begun to feel similarly, mobilizing our members across the state on behalf of FL AFL-CIO Endorsed Candidate David Jolly, who’s victory would mean the election of our first pro-worker governor in over 26 years!

    This week, The Decision Desk HQ, known for their independent and heavily resourced polls and election analysis, moved the Governor’s race away from “Leans Republican” to “Toss Up”, noting a nearly 10% drop in win probability since the beginning of September. That drop made headlines this week, with the effectively tied support attributable to the hard work of campaign canvassers, phone bankers, and more like ours who are educating their fellow Floridians on the issues.

    As to Amendment 3

    Another great example of the hard work of our working families beginning to show impact is in the declining popularity of Amendment 3. We documented the news of the Amendment’s recent decline in approval extensively in our previous issue, so instead for this week, we’ll let the growing number of bipartisan figures speaking out against the dangerous risks of Amendment 3 to all Floridians do the talking:

    As to the Attorney General & Chief Financial Officer

    Photo Credit: WCJB/ABC TV 20

    The momentum of change isn’t just at the top of the ticket either, as statewide races like the race for Attorney General and Chief Financial Officer also heat up!

    This week, FL AFL-CIO Endorsed Candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez challenged current Attorney General James Uthmeier to a debate at the University of Florida this week as the latter was seeking to justify his second $100,000 salary teaching there only 2 hours per week. Uthmeier was a no-show, opting to avoid answering any questions relating to that, nor his misuse of $10 million dollars in taxpayer funds for political purposes. Despite being found as a key actor in the scheme by a grand jury, Uthmeier was not found criminally liable, though the voters have definitely noticed, as recent polling shows the Attorney General’s race neck and neck between JJR (42%) and Uthmeier (43%) with 15% of voters still undecided.

    Also this week, polls showed FL AFL-CIO Endorsed CFO Candidate Annette Taddeo tied with current appointed CFO Blaise Ingoglia at 42% support each with 16% of voters still undecided. Also interestingly was that when survey respondents received positive information about both candidates, Taddeo’s support jumped to the lead with 50%, with Ingoglia’s support remaining the same. Ingoglia, whose signature policy so far has been local government audits in the style of Elon Musk’s DOGE program, and who really wants you to know that he is brave enough to let you know he eats meat and loves bacon (his words in his ad, not ours). Unfortunately, those issues aren’t as important to working families as lowering insurance costs and protecting consumers.

    IN SUMMARY:

    Despite these gains across a number of important and once thought impossible races, you’ll notice for none of them have we said that they have taken a decisive lead or that victory is assured, and that’s because, as has been invoked plenty of times this election already, the race is not over, the job is not finished.

    Working families should take pride in the progress that they have made so far this election season, as thousands of calls have been made and tens of thousands of doors knocked and canvassed. With an election with this much potential for change though, progress should not be taken for granted. As we’ve learned with so many of the races this year, polls can be impossibly wrong, and ultimately it will only be on Election Day, when we vote, that we may win.

    🍊Florida Labor News

    Statewide Labor Town Hall Draws Advice and Inspiration from our National Labor Leaders

    This Tuesday, we partnered with our siblings at the Florida Education Association (FEA) for a statewide labor town hall for our working families of every background across the state. Panelists included national labor leaders, including National Education Association (NEA) President Princess Moss, American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten, and even our very own National AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler who answered questions direct from our members on the state of the Labor 2026 campaign in Florida and nationwide, as well as the importance of getting your fellow labor siblings involved! President Shuler put it best:

    “People are done being disrespected and taken for granted. And this economy is so broken for working people that I think we all want some leaders who will stand up and fight for us. Now is the opportunity we have to get in there and right the ship to write a new chapter in Florida. It’s going to take everyone, it’s going to take all of us.”

    The full event can be found and watched on FEA’s Facebook page here, and this town hall is only the first of several opportunities coming up for working families to be able to engage directly with some of the important figures leading the labor 2026 ticket! Stay tuned for the next town hall on October 6th!

    ✊Solidarity Spotlight

    The Quiet and Important Work of Phonebanking

    This week we want to highlight the efforts of our phonebankers these last several weeks. Seen above, several of our AFGE and AFSCME retirees in Broward joined many of their brothers and sisters statewide who have been volunteering to spend their afternoons and early evening passionately educating their community about the important candidates and issues arriving on the ballot.

    Phonebanking can be unglamorous work, often quiet as we try to reach every possible voter we can, and bound to have several hangups or disconnects, but when we get our siblings on the phone and get a chance to talk with them one on one, it is a critical and transformative step in campaign efforts everywhere.

    Remember all of that progress we spent this issue highlighting that is slowly turning the tide in working families favor? Whether it’s in phonebanks or canvasses, these short afternoons and hours spent together are where the work happens to make that change. Elections are decided on Election Day, but they aren’t won on them. Elections are won in the months, weeks, and days leading up to it, when we register, inform, and mobilize every voter possible about the importance of the decisions they make on November 3rd. As we enter the home stretch months of this important season, we will need as many of you as possible to join us to reach our brighter Florida.

    While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about some ways to make that happen.

    🗓️On the Horizon (NEW EVENTS)

    The closer we get to November, the more and more opportunities we have to make a difference in our communities. We are putting on events to make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but are well equipped to spread the word on our Labor 2026 slate of candidates and more. As always, staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to allows you to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026 <– You are HERE
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • (EVERY WEEK) Tuesday – Thursday: Virtual Phone Bank for Labor Endorsed Candidates + No on 3
        • Join us calling union members and their families to learn about the issues they’re facing in an increasingly costly state and educate them about the pro-working-family candidates that the Florida’s unions have endorsed in November. With shifts available every Tuesday-Thursday and no prior experience required, this is an excellent and easily accessible way to get involved no matter where you are in the state.
        • All you need is a phone, laptop, computer, or tablet!
      • September 28th: Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck @ 6:00PM
        • Every Monday from now until November, join your FL AFL-CIO family for a Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck call. Receive the latest updates from the campaign front lines, share in victories and stories, as well as hear from some of our Labor Endorsed Candidates about your direct impact on their campaign! This Monday September 28th, look forward to talking about the state of the race with FL AFL-CIO Endorsed Attorney General Candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez (JJR)! You can attend the meeting via this zoom link.
      • October 7th: Statewide Labor Town Hall with Labor Candidates @ 7:00PM
        • As mentioned above, Join us in our second statewide Labor Town Hall to hear from labor endorsed candidates and more on why turning out for this important election is critical to helping Florida’s working families realize a brighter, better way of life.
        • Union members from all industries in Florida are invited to attend, ask questions of invited candidate and discuss how we can create the change we need. Register at the link above!
      • First Monday of every Month: FLARA Monthly Meetings
        • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their monthly zoom meetings. FLARA meets on the first Friday of every month at 10 AM EST, and features guest speakers and relevant information for retirees from national and state governments as well as important information on demonstrations, partner activities, etc.
        • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the monthly invitation.
    • Regional (By CLC)

    🛠️Business Board

    Let’s Get Medicaid Expansion On the 2028 Ballot!

    Florida Decides Healthcare is leading a citizen-led ballot initiative to expand Medicaid and cover over one million Floridians who fall through the cracks: workers who earn too much for Medicaid but too little for private insurance. These are our siblings who show up every day and still can’t afford to see a doctor. With an unresponsive legislature, it’s time the voters forced action on the issue themselves. Since the legislature cracked down on citizens having a say in their own constitution last year, we’re hitting the ground early on this effort for 2028. Here’s how you can help:

    Here’s the ask. It takes one minute:

    1. Request your petition at https://floridadecideshealthcare.org/aflcio/
    2. It arrives by mail. Sign it.
    3. Mail it back. That’s it.

    Your signature moves Medicaid expansion one step closer to Florida voters, and one step closer to healthcare for a million of your fellow Floridians. In a state that seeks to silence its voters, every single signature counts, so feel free to share the link with your coworkers, family, neighbors, and union siblings statewide.

    All Florida workers deserve affordable healthcare. This is how we show up and make it happen.

    • P.O.W.E.R Trainings and Pledge: Labor 2026 represents not just a statewide, but a national opportunity for change to build a better future for all of those in organized labor. To achieve victory, we’ll need as much help as we can get! Ahead of November, take the P.O.W.E.R pledge to:
      • Protect: Protecting the vote and ensuring every member can safely cast their ballot.
      • Organize: Organize new labor strongholds led by workers.
      • Win: Win crucial races that determine the future of workers’ rights.
      • Engage: Engage our baseline through authentic peer-to-peer contact.
      • Right Now: Mobilize Right Now. Action today creates victory tomorrow.

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    Florida Labor Letter – Are You Registered to Vote? (Week of 9/18)

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 9/18. Election Day is just under 50 days away, a time that feels much farther than it actually is, so our working families have been up and at em this week registering, canvassing, and more! Let’s get into it.

    🗳️Electoral News

    National Voter Registration Day

    “Have you registered to vote?” It’s a question you may have heard a lot this week, and for good reason! That’s because this Tuesday was National Voter Registration Day. With an election this important, it’s a good question too, and there are a massive amount of easy resources working families can use to check their voting status, including the national AFL-CIO’s Better In A Union Voter Registration Checker or Progress Florida and Florida Watch’s Make A Plan To Vote site. It takes less than 5 minutes to check your voter registration, and it will save you far more time than it would discovering at the ballot box.

    We will need every vote to break the supermajority and carve a path towards a brighter Florida this November, and the first step towards achieving that is making sure that there is nothing between you and your ballot box. Florida’s Deadline to Register to Vote is October 5th, so make sure you and your neighbors are registered now!

    Amendment 3’s Electoral Appeal Slimming as even DeSantis Casts Doubt

    As we mentioned in last week’s issue, the campaign around Florida’s 2026 Amendment 3 has been heating up. As a growing bipartisan coalition of organizers, elected officials, law enforcement officers, and union members spread the word out about this hastily put together, ill-researched, and misleadingly pitched effort to get rid of all non-homestead property taxes, those efforts are beginning to show an impact.

    When Amendment 3 was first released, and before it was sued into correcting its misleading language, Amendment 3’s false promise of simple savings seemed to resonate with voters, with initial polls in July showing 64% of Floridians favored the initiative. After all, less taxes? Sounds good? Those numbers even seemed to hold relatively steady in the eyes of some politicos when, after the court-mandated re-write, a survey of 800 voters still showed the initiative’s support remaining above 60%.

    It’s been a month since then, and in that time our working families have been knocking doors and making calls, joined by a chorus of organizations like Florida TaxWatch, The Florida Policy Institute, and even Florida’s Sheriffs all crossing party lines to educate the public on the dangerous threat that Amendment 3 poses to working Floridians.

    This week, new polling from St. Pete Polls and reported by Florida Politics showed Amendment 3 receiving only 45% support among likely voters, a 15% drop and well short of the 60% needed for the amendment to pass. The shift in the air was felt even by Governor DeSantis, whose willingness to take credit for the idea first proposed to the legislature all those years ago has been much more flexible since they decided to make changes to it such as excluding school levies from the exemption. Speaking at the University of Alabama’s Shelby Institute, the Governor said of the amendment:

    “I don’t know if it’s going to pass with 60%. I wanted to be bolder and I thought that would bring out more voters who maybe aren’t enthused about voting,”

    The drop in support points to success so far on the campaign trail thanks to the efforts of working families and more to educate their neighbors and community on the dangers of Amendment 3, but the job’s not finished, and until election day, we will continue to raise the alarm on Amendment 3’s potential to cost Florida far more than could ever be saved.

    🍊Florida Labor News

    Phone Bank with Us!

    Under 50 days til the election, and we applaud the hard work put in so far by our canvassers and door-knockers in spreading the good word about our Labor 2026 ticket. There’s one place we need all the help we can get though, and that’s on the phones! That’s why we’re asking you to join us for Phone Banking for Labor 2026!

    Phone banks are a low commitment and high impact way to make sure that we are able to reach as many of our working families as possible and turn them out for the important races in our community. This week, phone bankers called thousands of their siblings in Senate District 14 to turn out for Our Union Brother and defending State Senator, Brian Nathan, and the numbers will only grow from here to November!

    We have a huge slate of Labor Endorsed Candidates this year who are invested in making real, substantive change happen this election, and they will need our help to ensure they cross the finish line in their highly competitive races! Victories like Brother Nathan’s came down to just hundreds of votes, so you help us reach them by heading over to our Mobilize and signing up for a virtual phone bank near you! All you need is a computer and a phone to get started, with all phone banks providing training and more to every participant!

    🗓️On the Horizon (New Events!)

    As Labor 2026 gets underway, make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • September 21st: Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck @ 6:00PM
        • Every Monday from now until November, join your FL AFL-CIO family for a Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck call. Receive the latest updates from the campaign front lines, share in victories and stories, as well as hear from some of our Labor Endorsed Candidates about your direct impact on their campaign! This Monday September 21st we will be joined by our union brother and state Senator Brian Nathan, who is running for re-election in SD 14! You can attend the meeting via this zoom link.
      • September 22nd: Statewide Labor Town Hall @ 7:30PM
        • As we approach election day, we believe in facilitating the conversations between our members and candidates on the issues most important to them. Join us Tuesday, September 22nd for a panel put together by FEA and moderated by our very own FL AFL-CIO President Kimberly Holdridge featuring a discussion on the issues closest to you this election. There will also be an opportunity for audience Q&A, and you can register at the webinar link here!
      • First Monday of every Month: FLARA Monthly Meetings
        • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their monthly zoom meetings. FLARA meets on the first Friday of every month at 10 AM EST, and features guest speakers and relevant information for retirees from national and state governments as well as important information on demonstrations, partner activities, etc.
        • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the monthly invitation.
    • Regional (By CLC)

    🛠️Business Board

    Let’s Get Medicaid Expansion On the 2028 Ballot!

    Attendees of our COPE Convention may recall one of our signature workshops by the Florida Policy Institute’s Chief Strategy & Development Officer, Holly Bullard, on the important topic of Medicaid Expansion in Florida. Off of the positive reception to her workshop, we wanted to make sure that all of you knew about the important and growing fight to finally get it done in Florida.

    Over 15 years, Medicaid Expansion bills have been filed in the Florida Legislature, and have gone nowhere. This is all despite the fact that 75% of Florida voters support expansion, including a majority of Republicans. All the while, years of inaction have left over 3.5 million Floridians in a growing gap with no healthcare, increasing premiums, and billions left on the table in federal funds that could easily alleviate the issue. It’s time to change this un-necessary and awful reality, and Florida’s working families are key to getting it done.

    Florida Decides Healthcare is leading a citizen-led ballot initiative to expand Medicaid and cover over one million Floridians who fall through the cracks: workers who earn too much for Medicaid but too little for private insurance. These are our siblings who show up every day and still can’t afford to see a doctor. With an unresponsive legislature, it’s time the voters forced action on the issue themselves. Since the legislature cracked down on citizens having a say in their own constitution last year, we’re hitting the ground early on this effort for 2028. Here’s how you can help:

    Here’s the ask. It takes one minute:

    1. Request your petition at https://floridadecideshealthcare.org/aflcio/
    2. It arrives by mail. Sign it.
    3. Mail it back. That’s it.

    Your signature moves Medicaid expansion one step closer to Florida voters, and one step closer to healthcare for a million of your fellow Floridians. In a state that seeks to silence its voters, every single signature counts, so feel free to share the link with your coworkers, family, neighbors, and union siblings statewide.

    All Florida workers deserve affordable healthcare. This is how we show up and make it happen.

    • P.O.W.E.R Trainings and Pledge: Labor 2026 represents not just a statewide, but a national opportunity for change to build a better future for all of those in organized labor. To achieve victory, we’ll need as much help as we can get! Ahead of November, take the P.O.W.E.R pledge to:
      • Protect: Protecting the vote and ensuring every member can safely cast their ballot.
      • Organize: Organize new labor strongholds led by workers.
      • Win: Win crucial races that determine the future of workers’ rights.
      • Engage: Engage our baseline through authentic peer-to-peer contact.
      • Right Now: Mobilize Right Now. Action today creates victory tomorrow.

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    Florida Labor Letter – Week of 9/11

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 9/11. This week saw Florida’s labor family celebrate and share in another successful Labor Day- but the fight continues as working families kick off their Labor 2026 campaigns and continue the hard work of advocacy in pursuit of a brighter and better Florida. Let’s get into it.

    Remembering 9/11

    Photo Credit: Alicia Devine, Tallahassee Democrat
    Photo Credit: Dave Sanders/New York Times

    Before our usual content, we wanted to take a moment to note the important occasion that today’s newsletter falls on. On this day in American history 25 years ago, our state and the nation at large bore witness to the national tragedy that unfolded as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Ever fresh in the American mind, the attacks on the Twin Towers, Pentagon, and United Flight 93 changed the course of history and our nation in countless ways that are still felt and dealt with today. At the core though was the sense of loss, as over 3,000 lives were lost not just in the turmoil, but the lengthy efforts at rescue, cleanup, and recovery to follow, of which a great number of firefighters, law enforcement and other union members assisted in.

    On this solemn day, Florida’s unions wish to join the nation in honoring the memory of all of those who were killed on and following September 11, 2001. We are beyond thankful for the brave men and women who put others before themselves in the aftermath, cleanup, and recovery of that day’s tragic events, and whose impacts and sacrifices we still feel to this day. In their memory and the memory of the many lives lost, we stand in solidarity. As we head into the weekend, Florida Politics has organized a helpful non-comprehensive list of a large number of events and memorials being held statewide to commemorate the significance of today’s occasion.

    🗳️Electoral News

    Amendment 3 Efforts Ramp Up

    As election season gets underway, our working families can expect to hear more and more not just about candidates, but Amendment 3, the hastily put together, ill-researched, and misleadingly pitched ballot effort to get rid of all non-homestead property taxes. Property taxes currently serve a critical source of revenue for our local governments that supports and funds everything from public safety and disaster preparedness to infrastructure repair and community programs, but Amendment 3 removes those funds with zero ways to replace them. That means local communities would face either cutting these essential services or charge working families new taxes & fees to pay for them.

    For the last several weeks, opposition has grown to these amendments, but this week finally saw its supporters emerge, as per Florida Politics, The Florida Realtors contributed $10 million dollars to their own Yes on 3 campaign. Such an endorsement makes sense, as the passage of Amendment 3 means a huge tax break for the multi-million dollar companies that own and lease thousands of properties across the state. Unfortunately, those savings will not pass down to the average Floridian. Since Amendment 3 offers no replacement for those lost funds, that means working families that are renting or seeking homeownership will ironically find that goal pushed farther away as they either watch their local services get cut or have to foot new higher bills for them in the form of other increased taxes or new service fees.

    As we head towards November, we’ll be putting more resources in your hands to help spread the word that Amendment 3 is a scam that will hurt, not help, our working families. Find out more on Amendment 3’s dangerous impacts here, and why more and more Floridians from across the aisle are saying that this November, it’s “No on 3!”

    🍊Florida Labor News

    Labor Day Successes!

    This Monday, we were so happy to spend our Labor Day outside the office and with you, our working families! Whether it was in the Tallahassee at a community panel of organizers and labor-endorsed candidates, or whether it was in Orlando canvassing with elected officials, we were so happy to see a slew of celebrations, music, and advocacy from our labor family. Labor Day is an important occasion every year, but working families know that the cause extends far beyond the holiday. As we put words into action, here are just a few photos from events put on by our CLCs in Big Bend, Palm Beach-Treasure Coast, Central Florida, and West Central Florida, to whom we owe all photo credits!

    🗓️On the Horizon

    As Labor 2026 gets underway, make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • FL AFL-CIO Labor 2026 All Hands on Deck Meeting
        • September 14th – 6:00PM
          • You are invited to an All Hands on Deck!
          • This meeting will cover critical updates and coordination for all Labor 2026 statewide activities as we move into the next phase of our work together. We are also excited to announce a Special Appearance by Angie Nixon, our endorsed candidate for US Senate, who will join us to share insights and help energize our statewide efforts. You can Join the Zoom on Monday at this link.
      • FLARA Annual Meeting:
        • September 16th (9:00am – 4:00PM) (7:00PM – 9:00PM Hero and Zero Awards)
          • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their annual meeting on September 16 for a powerful day of legislative updates, advocacy, and action as they hear directly from advocates and leaders from across Florida fighting to protect Social Security, Medicare, and strong unions.
          • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the invitation.

    🛠️Business Board

    Let’s Get Medicaid Expansion On the 2028 Ballot!

    Attendees of our COPE Convention may recall one of our signature workshops by the Florida Policy Institute’s Chief Strategy & Development Officer, Holly Bullard, on the important topic of Medicaid Expansion in Florida. Off of the positive reception to her workshop, we wanted to make sure that all of you knew about the important and growing fight to finally get it done in Florida.

    Over 15 years, Medicaid Expansion bills have been filed in the Florida Legislature, and have gone nowhere. This is all despite the fact that 75% of Florida voters support expansion, including a majority of Republicans. All the while, years of inaction have left over 3.5 million Floridians in a growing gap with no healthcare, increasing premiums, and billions left on the table in federal funds that could easily alleviate the issue. It’s time to change this un-necessary and awful reality, and Florida’s working families are key to getting it done.

    Florida Decides Healthcare is leading a citizen-led ballot initiative to expand Medicaid and cover over one million Floridians who fall through the cracks: workers who earn too much for Medicaid but too little for private insurance. These are our siblings who show up every day and still can’t afford to see a doctor. With an unresponsive legislature, it’s time the voters forced action on the issue themselves. Since the legislature cracked down on citizens having a say in their own constitution last year, we’re hitting the ground early on this effort for 2028. Here’s how you can help:

    Here’s the ask. It takes one minute:

    1. Request your petition at https://floridadecideshealthcare.org/aflcio/
    2. It arrives by mail. Sign it.
    3. Mail it back. That’s it.

    Your signature moves Medicaid expansion one step closer to Florida voters, and one step closer to healthcare for a million of your fellow Floridians. In a state that seeks to silence its voters, every single signature counts, so feel free to share the link with your coworkers, family, neighbors, and union siblings statewide.

    All Florida workers deserve affordable healthcare. This is how we show up and make it happen.

    • P.O.W.E.R Trainings and Pledge: Labor 2026 represents not just a statewide, but a national opportunity for change to build a better future for all of those in organized labor. To achieve victory, we’ll need as much help as we can get! Ahead of November, take the P.O.W.E.R pledge to:
      • Protect: Protecting the vote and ensuring every member can safely cast their ballot.
      • Organize: Organize new labor strongholds led by workers.
      • Win: Win crucial races that determine the future of workers’ rights.
      • Engage: Engage our baseline through authentic peer-to-peer contact.
      • Right Now: Mobilize Right Now. Action today creates victory tomorrow.

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    The Florida Labor Day Letter

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to a special edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 9/4! Labor Day is upon us! Though many students and other professionals often look forward to the occasion for the extra time off, Florida’s working families know that this incredible holiday has a deep history and proud tradition across the country.

    Beginning in the late 19th century, as the burgeoning movement of organized labor grew across the U.S, a day was proposed to celebrate the strength and power of organized labor, all that it had achieved and secured for the working class, and all that it could do for them in the future. Since then, on the first Monday of September, Americans everywhere celebrate this proud history, and in an era that has created the world’s first Trillionaire, the need for organized labor could not be greater. We are excited to get into the many ways in which you can celebrate this year and how some of you have already kicked things off!

    📝From The Desk of the President

    🍊Florida Labor News

    Angie Nixon Endorsed by The Florida AFL-CIO!

    FL AFL-CIO President Kimberly Holdridge and members of Central Florida’s working families were happy to meet with Angie Nixon this week at an Orange County fundraiser

    This week, the Florida AFL-CIO is proud to announce its endorsement and support of Angie Nixon for Florida’s next U.S Senator! With her experience as a union organizer and a proven track record in the Florida House as a fighter for the working class, the choice before Florida’s working families this November couldn’t be clearer! We are excited to work to educate and get out voters this November as we vie for not just a brighter Tallahassee or Florida that works for us, but a Washington D.C as well!

    The Labor Day Lowdown!

    We are happy to see a slew of Labor Day events taking place across our Sunshine State this weekend, so as promised, here is a lowdown of all of the CLC events being put on across the state! No matter where you are, there’s a community in Florida Labor for you. You can see all of these events and more from this Labor Day weekend on our Mobilize! Whether you are canvassing, cooking, or just plain celebrating, we want to see how you are commemorating your Labor Day! Don’t forget to tag our socials @flaflcio on Instagram and X, and @FloridaAFLCIO on Facebook!

    ✊Labor Day Solidarity Spotlight!

    Labor in Southern Florida Gets Ahead of the Labor Day Action!

    Since our last issue, Several of our CLCs down south have been busy not just prepping, but already putting into action several big events for Labor Day and Labor 2026!

    Photo Credit: Stephan Ramdohr

    Yesterday, the South Florida CLC itself put on an early Labor Day action when it held a Press Conference ahead of the Miami-Dade County Budget hearing and the Labor Day weekend. Labor leaders, workers, community organizers, elected officials, candidates and others came together to address a host of issues facing the Miami-Dade and South Florida communities including the impact of proposed local, state and federal funding cuts and policies on working people, the potential devastating impact of the Amendment 3 ballot initiative, escalating ICE raids and federal attacks on South Florida immigrants communities, and the growing affordability crisis on workers and families across the region. The event drew over 30+ organizations and leaders, and was helmed by South Florida CLC President Jeffrey Mitchell and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.

    Photo Credit:City of Sunrise Commissioner, Jacqueline A. Guzman
    Photo Credit:Fort Lauderdale FOP Lodge 31

    Also active this past week was the Broward County Central Labor Council, which put on their 2026 Labor Ball. CLC President Andy Madtes and Secretary/Treasurer Dana Shumate and so many others helped organize a very successful event that showcased the size, power, and resilience of the Broward County Labor community! The ball also drew a number of recognizable names in elected officials and candidates for seats as local as city commissioners all the way to U.S Senate including Angie Nixon, Gwen Graham, Jose Javier Rodriguez just to name a few! You are encouraged to visit the Broward County CLC Facebook Page to see a number of great photos, moments, and more from the evening!

    📸Bonus Bulletin

    Remembering Legendary Women’s Rights Activist and Journalist Gloria Steinem

    This week America received more news of the sudden passage of another legendary figure in activism- critically acclaimed Journalist and Feminist Gloria Steinem. Known as a leader and pioneering figure in the second wave of feminism, Steinem was a columnist for New York Magazine and co-founded the influential Ms. Magazine as well as a number of feminist advocacy organizations including the National Women’s Political Caucus, Women’s Action Alliance, and Women’s Media Center.

    Despite gaining notoriety first in the 1960s, Steinem was known for her lifelong activism well into the present day and a number of achievements far too long to list in a newsletter entry. Instead, we thank her for her profound role in pushing and gaining ground in the everyday fight for a more equitable and equal America for everyone. As we kick off a weekend commemorating the progress of organizing and work left to do, we leave you with some of the legendary activist’s last words of advice, as written in a final essay published this week in the New Yorker:

    People often ask me: What should we do? No one person could answer that for everyone. I will say that we must work together to make sure that equal laws and customs become normalized. While there are many external gestures, the biggest leaps are those that we make within ourselves. Standing up for your own full humanity is an example you can give to others. Bring equality into your workplace and home—and follow the sense you probably had as a child, before gender roles took shape, about fairness.

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

    Got any tips, actions, or messages you’d like to see in this email?

    Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

    Florida Labor Letter – One Tough 9-5 (Week of 8/28)

    Daniel Diaz |

    Welcome to another edition of the Florida AFL-CIO’s weekly Florida Labor Letter for the week of 8/28. It’s been a week since the Florida Primaries, and a just over a week until Labor Day, which would usually mean a quieter week of news. However the headlines have not been quiet. A grand jury finally delivered a verdict on the Hope Florida Scandal, union efforts became successful in central Florida and a number of surprise celebrity union deaths were all top stories this week. Let’s get into it.

    🏛️Legislative News

    Grand Jury finds DeSantis Administration used $10 million dollars from Taxpayers to Oppose Marijuana Amendment

    Photo Credit: Nigel Cook/News-Journal USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

    Remember the 2024 Election? That was the one with the much contested Constitutional Amendments on the ballot over the right to Abortion (Amendment 4) and Legalization of Marijuana (Amendment 3). Both amendments that year failed just short of the 60% needed for them to pass, but since then, particular attention and criticism from across party lines has been aimed at the DeSantis Administration over the potential use of over $10 million dollars in taxpayer funds to politically campaign against Amendments on behalf of the state.

    Ever since, the name “Hope Florida” has been a matter of Florida House Investigation and political scandal so significant that it divided the Republican Supermajority, sullied the reputation of First Lady Casey DeSantis and her rumored plans to run for Governor, and even warranted the creation of its very own Wikipedia page (how often does Florida politics do that?) It’s a story a bit too long to re-tell in a newsletter, so you are encouraged to browse the many hearings, articles, and angry tweets on the story at your leisure. However, for the past year the question on guilt and responsibility has remained unanswered—until now….

    Photo Credit: Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

    …wait, no one is being held Guilty?!

    This week, CBS News’ Jim DeFede broke the exclusive story that a state grand jury composed for the purpose of investigating the Hope Florida case finally announced its ruling on the matter. As reported, it found:

    “…the DeSantis administration “misappropriated” taxpayer money when it diverted $10 million from a Medicaid settlement into the Hope Florida Foundation, arguing the transfer was “part of a sophisticated scheme to fund political activities,” according to a copy of the sealed grand jury report obtained by CBS News Miami.

    The grand jury report said the money, which was supposed to be used to provide health insurance for poor children, was instead hastily passed through multiple organizations before eventually landing in the bank accounts of two political action committees and the Republican Party of Florida. Those funds were then used in 2024 to defeat Amendment 3, the citizen initiative to legalize marijuana in Florida.“

    The report even identified key actors in the scheme, including James Uthmeier, at the time Governor’s Chief of Staff, and then Attorney General Ashley Moody, the two of which would find appointments to higher office courtesy the Governor after the election’s conclusion. In the search for accountability though, the jury fell short of criminal finding, stating:

    “Despite our finding that the money was misappropriated, we find insufficient evidence to charge anyone criminally…Nobody will take responsibility for deciding the $10 million of taxpayer money would go to Hope Florida…or had any memory of who made it.”

    Such a statement can understandably creates significant anger and even apathy about the state of our politics. As Florida’s working families continue to struggle with access to health care and the cost of living, watching fraudulent actors go unpunished and even rewarded can make it seem like this is just how it will always go, but we don’t bring you this story just to tell you there is nothing that can be done. In fact, this election, the opposite is true.

    As now Senator Moody and Attorney General Uthmeier vie for the approval of the public rather than the Governor this November, the opportunity lies in the hands of us, the voters, to be able to hold these individuals accountable by voting them out and replacing them with candidates who will actually go after crime rather than perpetrate it, and who will fight for the betterment of all working families rather than focus on politics. This is not a pitch for Angie Nixon or even our own endorsed candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez, it is a reminder for all our working families that the power of your vote is the most impactful way to push for the Florida you want to see and hold accountable the one you don’t.

    🍊Florida Labor News

    Labor Day Preparations Take Shape Statewide!

    It’s just over one week to Labor Day, and Florida’s unions are already getting underway in their preparations! Whether you are canvassing your siblings in your community or enjoying the company of one another for a picnic and day of fun, we are excited to see a number of events planned across the state, which you can always find on our Mobilize, and we always encourage you to put more! As we prepare, you can anticipate a full run down of events no matter your region in our next issue as part of our Labor Day Week of Action!

    ✊Solidarity Spotlight

    Tampa International Airport Backs Down from Privatization after Union Efforts!

    Image Courtesy of AFGE National

    In Late July, we wrote to you about the efforts of AFGE Local 566 and others who mounted significant opposition against the leadership of Tampa International Airport after they announced their intent to move Tampa International into the TSA Gold+ public-private partnership screening program. The move to privatize airport security screenings would have come at the cost of a significant number of employee jobs and security equipment currently held by union labor and the reliability, training, and experience that it brings.

    This Monday, the Transportation and Safety Administration itself suddenly announced that it was going to scrap the Gold+ program altogether, with Tampa International Airport announcing later that same day that it was deciding to follow the same path. Though airport leadership publicly said that the decision was made following “extensive review and evaluation,” the truth beneath the headlines is that the move was deeply unpopular in the community, a point made clear by AFGE’s coordinated efforts and consistent pressure on the airport over the past several months, including a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit over the secrecy surrounding the plan’s development.

    As put succinctly by AFGE District 5 National Vice President Tatishka Thomas:

    “Ensuring the safety and security of the flying public is too important to contract out to the lowest bidder, and the Tampa airport’s decision to reject TSA Gold+ is a clear vote of confidence in the federal employees who currently perform this critical work,”

    🗓️On the Horizon

    As Labor 2026 gets underway, make sure you are not just making a plan to vote, but staying tuned to our FL AFL-CIO Mobilize to see the latest ways you can get involved in local actions, canvassing efforts, and more! See below for some important dates and visit Mobilize for the full breakdown!

    • Statewide
      • Important GENERAL Election Dates!
        • The primaries are over! On to the general! Wherever you are on the aisle, you should know these important election dates from the Florida Division of Elections:
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to UOCAVA voters: September 19, 2026
          • Deadline to send vote-by-mail ballots to domestic voters:  September 24 2026 – October 1, 2026
          • Deadline to register to vote:  October 5, 2026
          • Deadline to request that ballot be mailed: October 22, 2026
          • Early voting period (mandatory period):  October 24 – 31, 2026
          • Election Day:  November 3, 2026
    • Digital
      • First Monday of every Month: FLARA Monthly Meetings
        • The Florida Alliance of Retired Americans (FLARA) invites any and all to attend their monthly zoom meetings. FLARA meets on the first Friday of every month at 10 AM EST, and features guest speakers and relevant information for retirees from national and state governments as well as important information on demonstrations, partner activities, etc.
        • Those interested in attending FLARA meetings should contact tammy@flara.org in order to get the monthly invitation.
    • Regional (By CLC)
      • Big Bend
      • Central Florida
      • West Central Florida
      • Space Coast
      • Palm Beach/Treasure Coast
      • Broward
        • Hollywood
          • Saturday, August 29th: Broward County 2026 Labor Ball
            • Our Broward Labor siblings should mark their calendars for the arrival of the 2026 Labor Ball! Taking place in Hollywood Florida, join fellow union members and community leaders for a night of celebration, solidarity, and more!
            • This is a ticketed event, with dress code and registration required. You can register at this link or email browardaflcio@gmail.com for more information.
      • South Florida
        • Miami-Dade
          • Wednesday, September 2nd: South Florida Community Campaign Launch to Defeat Amendment 3 – 10:15AM
            • Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, city leaders, business and civic leaders, local champions and community partners will come together to launch a South Florida-focused campaign to defeat Florida Amendment 3. Join your labor siblings!
            • Plaza of Main Public Library
              101 W Flagler St.
              Miami, FL 33130
        • Fort Myers
        • Homestead
          • Tuesday, September 8: Stand With Nursery Workers: Labor Day Action at Costa Farms
            • Plant nursery workers, allied organizations, unions and faith leaders will come together for a Labor Day action and delivery of signed petitions to Costa Farms headquarters.
            • Attendees should gather at 1PM at 201 N. Krome Ave., #230 Homestead, FL 33030

    🛠️Business Board

    Let’s Get Medicaid Expansion On the 2028 Ballot!

    Attendees of our COPE Convention may recall one of our signature workshops by the Florida Policy Institute’s Chief Strategy & Development Officer, Holly Bullard, on the important topic of Medicaid Expansion in Florida. Off of the positive reception to her workshop, we wanted to make sure that all of you knew about the important and growing fight to finally get it done in Florida.

    Over 15 years, Medicaid Expansion bills have been filed in the Florida Legislature, and have gone nowhere. This is all despite the fact that 75% of Florida voters support expansion, including a majority of Republicans. All the while, years of inaction have left over 3.5 million Floridians in a growing gap with no healthcare, increasing premiums, and billions left on the table in federal funds that could easily alleviate the issue. It’s time to change this un-necessary and awful reality, and Florida’s working families are key to getting it done.

    Florida Decides Healthcare is leading a citizen-led ballot initiative to expand Medicaid and cover over one million Floridians who fall through the cracks: workers who earn too much for Medicaid but too little for private insurance. These are our siblings who show up every day and still can’t afford to see a doctor. With an unresponsive legislature, it’s time the voters forced action on the issue themselves. Since the legislature cracked down on citizens having a say in their own constitution last year, we’re hitting the ground early on this effort for 2028. Here’s how you can help:

    Here’s the ask. It takes one minute:

    1. Request your petition at https://floridadecideshealthcare.org/aflcio/
    2. It arrives by mail. Sign it.
    3. Mail it back. That’s it.

    Your signature moves Medicaid expansion one step closer to Florida voters, and one step closer to healthcare for a million of your fellow Floridians. In a state that seeks to silence its voters, every single signature counts, so feel free to share the link with your coworkers, family, neighbors, and union siblings statewide.

    All Florida workers deserve affordable healthcare. This is how we show up and make it happen.

    • P.O.W.E.R Trainings and Pledge: Labor 2026 represents not just a statewide, but a national opportunity for change to build a better future for all of those in organized labor. To achieve victory, we’ll need as much help as we can get! Ahead of November, take the P.O.W.E.R pledge to:
      • Protect: Protecting the vote and ensuring every member can safely cast their ballot.
      • Organize: Organize new labor strongholds led by workers.
      • Win: Win crucial races that determine the future of workers’ rights.
      • Engage: Engage our baseline through authentic peer-to-peer contact.
      • Right Now: Mobilize Right Now. Action today creates victory tomorrow.

    📸Bonus Bulletin

    In Memoriam of The Iconic Dolly Parton and Peter Cullen

    This week America mourned the unfortunate passage of proud union members and legendary figures Dolly Parton and Peter Cullen, both known for not just their incredible talents, but incredible generosity, advocacy, and warmth.

    Dolly Parton, known eponymously as The Queen of Country, passed away this week at age 80 after a battle with Cancer. She is remembered not just for her incredible musical career, but also as a fierce advocate both professionally and personally for the working class. This was evidenced not just in her music (such as the iconic album 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs) but also through her broad philanthropy and advocacy for causes like education, healthcare, and even her hometown communities in Rural Tennessee. Dolly was also a proud union member for almost 60 years as a card carrying member of The American Federation of Musicians Local 257 (Nashville Music Association).

    Peter Cullen best known as the voice of Transformer’s Optimus Prime and Eeyore in Winnie The Pooh, also passed away this week at the age of 85. Cullen was a was a prolific and legendary voice actor, who despite his age, continued to perform and seek work up all his life, beginning as an announcer on “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” in 1968 and serving in his final role on the third season of Amazon Prime’s Invincible this year. Cullen was also a lifelong member of SAG-AFTRA since 1971, and across his career of over 200 credited roles, was an outspoken advocate for unions and union work, even against Hasbro, owners of the Transformers IP.

    Both Dolly and Peter though were the rare kind of celebrity that never let success eclipse their values, advocating for the betterment of everyone around them as long as they lived, and for that and so much more, we will miss them.

    That concludes this week’s roundup! Thank you for reading and as always, In Solidarity!

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