Over the past several years, Florida’s Legislature has passed major legislation based on the flimsiest of excuses. They’ve gone after diversity programs as if they presented some kind of threat, when reality shows that inclusion is good for business and builds community. In the name of freedom, they’ve launched attacks on what teachers can say in the classroom and what books can remain on library shelves. Claiming to support election integrity, they’ve hacked away at voters’ rights and overturned local referenda that angered big-money interests.

One of the most common themes: The conceit that lawmakers in Tallahassee know more about the needs of cities and counties across the state than local elected officials do. The arrogant pre-emption is most evident in the area of growth management:

See Full Page