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!

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

Please email Daniel Diaz at ddiaz@flaflcio.org

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