(Originally published Tuesday, June 6, 2017)
At least eight House members and one senator won’t be attending some or all of this week’s Special Session, set for Wednesday-Friday.
The June meeting is conflicting with some lawmakers’ plans, including one whose brother is getting married out of state.
Below is a list, as of Tuesday afternoon, of lawmakers asking for and receiving excused absences for part or all of the three-day session, with reasons given:
— Rep. Bruce Antone, an Orlando Democrat, excused Wednesday for a “previously scheduled commitment.”
— Rep. Larry Lee Jr., a Port St. Lucie Democrat, excused Friday to host an annual “Restoring the Village” community event “that was planned a year in advance.”
— Rep. Alex Miller, a Sarasota Republican, excused all three days as she recovers from surgery.
— Rep. Mike Miller, a Winter Park Republican, excused Wednesday and Thursday because he’s “out of the country.”
— Rep. Cary Pigman, an Avon Park Republican, excused Friday morning for a “prior engagement.”
— Rep. Scott Plakon, a Longwood Republican, excused Friday because of “previous commitments.”
— Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, an Orlando Democrat, excused Wednesday and Thursday because he’ll be in Washington, D.C. with a Pulse nightclub shooting survivor speaking to members of Congress, and then attending the unveiling of a mural at the University of Central Florida commemorating Pulse victims, survivors and first responders.
— Rep. Jennifer Sullivan, a Mount Dora Republican, excused all three days because her “brother is getting married in Arkansas.”
— Sen. Dorothy Hukill, a Port Orange Republican, excused all three days as she continues to recover from cancer treatment and surgery.
We’ll add any more names as we receive them.
Updated Wednesday:
— Rep. Joe Abruzzo, a Boynton Beach Democrat, excused Wednesday because of a “previously scheduled conflict in my district.”
