In anticipation of Hurricane Irma making landfall in Florida, legislative leaders have canceled committee meetings scheduled for next week.
According to a story from the News Service of Florida, Senate President Joe Negron and House Speaker Richard Corcoran called off what would have been the first committee meetings to prepare for the 2018 legislative session, citing concerns about potential damage from the Hurricane.
In separate memos, the Republican leaders instead urged their members to take necessary precautions in advance of the storm.
“Please use this time to prepare your family and home. The specific trajectory of this unprecedented storm is still uncertain, and impacts could vary drastically across the state. All Floridians need to be ready. Staff should monitor local weather advisories and adhere to local evacuation orders,” Negron, R-Stuart, wrote in a memo to the Senate.
“Please keep yourself and your loved ones safe by being prepared for this potentially devastating storm,” Corcoran, R-Land O’ Lakes, wrote. “We will continue to pray for our fellow Floridians as Hurricane Irma approaches.”
Governor Rick Scott, during appearances Wednesday at emergency operations centers, repeatedly stressed the need for volunteers in advance of Irma. And both leaders responded to calls by the Governor for volunteers. Negron authorized up to 15 days of administrative leave for Senate staff members interested in volunteering to support emergency shelters.
Negron and Corcoran did not reschedule the committee meetings. The next meetings are slated to take place during the second week of October. The 2018 legislative session is scheduled to start in January.
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