House Republicans vote to approve secret ballots, keep debate off the record
by Michael C. Bender | April 27th, 2009A constitutional amendment to guarantee secret-ballot elections when workers vote to unionize was approved this afternoon in a partisan vote by the Florida House. If the Senate approves the measure, the question would be place on the 2010 ballot.
In the House, the 74-44 vote narrowly exceeded the 72-vote threshold needed for a constitutional amendment to pass the chamber. Republicans argued the proposal would prevent worker intimidation and business lobbyists say its largely to block a pro-union change in federal labor law.
After the vote, Democrats requested that the debate be printed in the House journal, the official record of the chamber. Republicans voted the measure down.
Rep. Adam Hasner, a Boca Raton Republican sponsoring the measure (HJR 1013), said it was “no secret that our state and our nation face unprecedented economic challenges.”
“Protecting workers’ rights is essential if we want to create and protect jobs and get Florida’s economy moving again,” Hasner said in a press release.
Tags: Adam Hasner, secret ballots, State House
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April 27th, 2009 at 6:33 pm
Why stop with this amendment? For example, why don’t our representative place on the ballot that legalize segregation, the poll tax, and other laws that place Blacks back in second class status. After all, our elected official has a perfect plan whenever they don’t like what the Federal government does?
Upset about a reapproachment with Cuba? No problem. Contact your representative and have them to put on the ballot a constitutional amendment prohibiting Floridians from having any contact with the Cuban people.
They don’t like how the presiden leading the country? Put another amendment on the ballot.
Maybe I’m wrong, but I thought Federal law trumped state law unless the state law gives people rights that enhance Federal law.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:57 pm
[...] by gatorblue on April 27, 2009 That’s right. The Florida House voted 74-44 to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot that will ensure secret-ballot elections when workers vote to unionize and the debate [...]
April 28th, 2009 at 11:30 am
This is an issue of fundamental fairness. Its not Black or White, Rich or Poor, Sex or Religion. Our right to vote in private keeps either side of any issue from being able to pressure any individual in their decision.