UPDATE as of Jan. 8: At least two local papers ran articles about Rep. Chad Johnson's bill and 960 people sent emails objecting to the bill. The bill has been tabled. For now.

You can read more in this Alachua Chronicle article.

LEGISLATIVE DELEGATION MEETING
PUBLIC ATTENDANCE
1/9/25

On Jan. 9, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Santa Fe College in the Joyce Fordyce Building (R-01), the group of state legislators who represent Alachua County will meet with constituents.

This is the sole opportunity for the public at large to see and hear the legislators and provide input on matters of interest before the legislative session begins March 4.

President Janice Garry will speak on behalf of the LWV of Alachua County. It is important for the public to attend and fill every seat. For those who wish to speak on a topic, speaker cards will be available to submit and request time to speak. It is not necessary speak! Being there speaks for itself. Being there shows we care.

Of particular interest to Gainesville residents and GRU customers, a bill sponsored by Rep. Chad Johnson will be presented that seems to add heft to the GRU Authority should a legal decision by a judge rule in favor of that body.

In November, 73% of Gainesville's voters decided that GRU governance should return to local leaders, not the governor-appointed Authority.

We need to show up en masse to let our elected representatives know we are watching and that we care about our utility.

GRU customers can also send an email to the legislators and tell them to vote “No” on the bill, because we continue to oppose the GRU Authority and state overreach into our local utility. The bill does not yet have a name.

The most important thing we can do is to participate in local government. This is a prime opportunity.

Thank you.