Posted: July 20, 2010

In my hand is the now infamous Willis Report, a report ordered by the Leadership of this House, and paid for by Florida Taxpayers.

This report downplayed the risks of major oil spills and overstated the energy industry's ability to contain the damage from such incidents, but not without this disclaimer:

Quote: “Actual outcomes could vary significantly from Willis’s estimates.” Unquote.

And so they have.

The cost of the report was $200,000, or approximately 5 times the cost of today’s session.
Like most of you, I hate to see government waste and a misuse of taxpayer money, whether it be a report, or a special session.

Had this Chamber never passed a bill to drill for oil in state waters, I would have more faith in you to do the right thing going forward. Governor Crist would have more faith. Floridians would have more faith.

Candidly, the Leadership in this room is no longer trusted on this issue.
Now I am not a fan of using and abusing our Constitution. It’s been done too much lately, and not by Democrats. Amending it should be saved for rare, special circumstances.
This is one of them.

Putting this on the ballot tells not just Floridians, but citizens around the world, that we take our economy, our environment, and our way of life seriously. It preserves this beautiful place for future generations. It gives very real comfort to all Floridians, business owners, hoteliers and Realtors who have been negatively impacted by the current spill.

It will finally signal that we’re ready to embrace the future of energy production, which will mean a more diverse economy.

Members, this is a golden opportunity. I ask you that we not squander it because of politics and posturing.

Thank you.