Why the rush? Florida legislators push back against DeSantis’ call for special session

Two days after Gov. “I’m guessing that there’s not a big appetite for a special session,” said Pinellas Republican state Sen. Ed Hooper, the Senate Chair of the Appropriations Committee, speaking before the Pinellas County legislative delegation meeting in Clearwater on Thursday. That’s just a waste of money.” The two legislative leaders who have the immediate power to call a special session — Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez —have not commented publicly on the governor’s request, sparking speculation that they also have no interest in holding a special legislative session ahead of the March starting date. I’m just not sure that the leadership and the Legislature is on board with it.” Noting that the regular session is scheduled to begin in less than two months Rouson said, “I don’t know what we could do in that short period of time that would make an impact.” The veteran legislator also pointed out there are five weeks set aside for interim committee meetings before the start of the regular legislative session that begins March 4. Pinellas County House Republican Rep. Berny Jacques said he is neutral on whether to have a special session or address DeSantis’ wish list of issues during the regular session.