Research Symposium

BIO

I am a first-year student from Boca Raton, Florida. I am currently pursuing a dual-degree in political science and philosophy with a minor in religion. My interests are in political philosophy and American politics.

Political Contest for State Power in Florida

Abstract

The study examines whether labor unions or big businesses hold more political influence. In 2023, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 256, a bill which increased membership requirements for public-sector unions. This contributes to a recent trend of states imposing greater requirements for public-sector labor unions. For example, Wisconsin's Act 10, a bill which limits collective bargaining rights.

Different perspectives on Florida’s legislation are analyzed; the roles of the corporate business interests that lobbied in favor of the bill and the union members that fought against it. The research seeks to better understand how state power is contested in Florida, with respect to union efforts.

Research consisted of transcribing and analyzing the content of Senate committee meetings, interviews, and relevant documents. The bulk of the research is on Senate Bill 256, analyzing the votes of different Senators and people who came to speak in public comment. Although an overwhelming majority of people in public comment spoke against S.B. 256, the bill was passed. The voices of a few think tanks had more political sway than the majority of individuals.

The results thus far show how unions no longer hold power over legislation through collective bargaining and public comment. On the contrary, power now resides in corporately funded think tanks. Overall, the research demonstrates that the changing dynamic is of interest and deserves more attention from the public.

Keywords: labor, unions, Florida, legislature, power