VIDEO: Senate Appropriations Committee on Transportation, Tourism and Economic Development SB 1252
Meeting on April 6, 2023
Pay careful attention to Ann Salamone’s presentation against this bill around the 2:00 mark.
Watch here or on YouTube.
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Hello all. For those that can meet with their representatives personally and connect with them in a positive way, please do so. I have been meeting for 2 years with legislators in Tallahassee and at District Delegation meetings in a kind manner by sharing our family’s story, listening to their stories, sharing data, and working towards change. Guess what – many, maybe most, legislators have a criminal-justice involved friend or family member. Most of my legislative communication effort has been on sentence reduction but my son is labeled “sex offender” and humanizing education to the general public and our legislators must be sustained. There was no expectation of changing the vote, but it was to educate and humanize. May we experience compassion in our lifetime for our registrants nationwide.
Hello Ms. Salamone,
Thank you for sharing your heartfelt and inspiring experience with us. Your dedication to connecting with legislators on a personal level and sharing your family’s story is truly commendable. It’s essential to remember that behind every statistic, there’s a real person with a unique story, and humanizing these experiences can often be more effective than simply presenting data.
Deep canvassing, as you mentioned, is a fantastic example of this approach. By engaging in meaningful conversations and taking the time to listen and empathize, we can create a space where understanding and compassion can grow. As you’ve found in your interactions, many legislators themselves have a connection to the criminal justice system, and by sharing your story, you help to break down barriers and foster a sense of commonality.
Your perseverance in working towards change, even without the expectation of immediately altering the vote, is an excellent reminder that progress is a long-term endeavor. Education and humanization are vital components of this process, and by continuing to engage in open and honest dialogue, we can help to create a more compassionate and just society for all, including those labeled as “sex offenders.”
Thank you for being a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change in your community. Your efforts serve as an inspiration for others to follow suit and continue the fight for a more compassionate approach to criminal justice reform. Let’s keep working together to ensure that everyone, including registrants nationwide, receives the understanding and support they deserve.
Dear Ann Solomone,
I recently heard your testimony before the Florida Senate Transportation Committee. I admire you for standing before this committee and presenting them with very clear facts. You were strong and not intimidated by the banc before you. And even though you knew they would not listen to you… They probably didn’t even hear you… Even though you knew this ahead of time, you marched on.
The other thing that I highly admire you for is that you stood for your son. You already know how many families have divorced themselves from registrants. Families abandon their “loved ones” just for being accused of a crime. Now the Registry is destroying even more families.
Ann, please keep on marching for families.
Pastor Scott
Thanks Ann, you said it all and said well. I wish we had more woman like you! Thanks from the bottom of our hearts!!