In an earlier blog post written today, we wrote about how Governor Charlie Crist has spoken about taking up the proposal by House Democrats Rick Kriseman and Keith Fitzgerald to call a special session to discuss putting a constitutional amendment on the November ballot banning offshore drilling in Florida waters.
Despite saying he supports the plan, Governor Christ has failed to call for that session, and there are only a few weeks left before the deadline on getting such a measure on the ballot.
In the past, lawmakers have said it cost approximately $40,000 a day for such special sessions. Now one Florida Democrat has come up with the idea of putting the tab on BP's escalating credit card.
Daytona Beach House Democrat Dwayne Taylor has written a letter to the Governor to do exactly that:
I understand that calling a special session has financial obligations that this State may otherwise use for other budgetary items. To not burden our taxpayers, I suggest that we call on BP to pay for the expenses associated with calling a special session. The State of Florida will overcome this tragedy and a special session is imperative to the process of creating a plan for the future of our great State and the surrounding waters that bring life and prosperity to the many that we represent.
I ask that you strongly consider my request and if you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Governor, it's your move next.
This article appears in Jul 8-14, 2010.