Keith Urges Crist to Call Special Summer Session

Keith, and his colleagues Rep. Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) and Sen. Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) today sent a letter to Governor Charlie Crist urging him to convene the legislature in a summer special session to address the complex challenges from the BP oil spill. In their letter, the trio present five areas on which legislative leaders should focus their attention during the special session.

“Inaction by the legislature is not an option Floridians can tolerate,” said Keith. “We must accept the fact that families and businesses throughout Florida are having their livelihoods and their primary source of income washed away from this horrific incident. And it’s time that the pro-oil supporters put their interests aside and allow the legislature to get to work on

In their letter, the three lawmakers offer five items that should be included in the special session:

- Revise Statutes to Maximize Recovery for Victims

- Give Attorney General environmental crimes authority

- Create Compensation Commissioner to facilitate recovery

- Small Business Relief

- Near-shore drilling ban

Several news sources throughout the state covered this important story.

Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Local politicians aim to look tough on oil spill

Creative Loafing: Florida Democrats again call on Charlie Crist to hold a special session on banning offshore drilling from Florida waters

St. Petersburg Times: Dems to Crist: Bring legislators back into session for oil response

Sunshine News: Dems in Legislature Urge Crist to Call Special Session on Oil Spill

10 Connects: State Democrats urging Crist for oil spill special session