As your State Senator, Thad takes heart of his oath to “support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida” every day. He understands that our state and federal Constitutions were written to restrain government power, not to justify giving government even more power over our personal lives.
Taxes and Spending
Unlike Washington, Florida is required by law to balance its budget, and as Chairman of the Finance and Tax Committee in the Florida Senate, Thad plays a critical role in ensuring that Florida’s government lives within its means just like Florida’s families have to in tough times, and that our state doesn’t get bogged down by higher taxes and out of control spending. This year, Senator Altman is filing a bill that will require a 3/4 supermajority to impose a state income tax, providing yet another layer of protection against a tax that would permanently hobble Florida’s economy.
2nd Amendment Rights
Liberal politicians and unelected bureaucrats have fought to restrict lawful gun ownership by any and every means they can think of. Just this year, the Legislature nearly approved a measure that would have cut millions from the state’s fund for reviewing concealed carry permits. This would have increased wait times for gun owners who apply for concealed weapons permits by weeks, or even months. Thad opposed this provision, and the item was scrubbed from the budget.
Also in 2009, the Department of Children and Families considered asking couples considering adoption if they owned firearms on their adoption forms. Such questions would lead to the creation of a government-run gun owner registry, a serious invasion of privacy for every law-abiding gun owner in Florida. Thad filed a bill in the Senate that if passed would prohibit any state agency from asking Floridians to disclose what guns they own. Thanks to Thad’s efforts, DCF backed off of its proposal. However, Thad will continue to fight to pass his bill to ensure no agency can require Floridians to disclose gun ownership for employment or use of state services.
Traditional Marriage
Thad is a committed and unwavering supporter of traditional marriage and adoptions. He supported the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment in 2008, also known as Amendment 2, that defines marriage in Florida as the union of one man and one woman. The amendment was approved by the people of Florida with 62% of the vote and at least majority support in 66 of Florida’s 67 counties.
Right To Life
Thad supports the federal ban on partial-birth abortions, and as a State Representative was a co-sponsor of a bill that would require abortion clinics to provide an ultrasound for any woman considering a late-term abortion, a law that if passed would have helped reduce late-term abortions in Florida.
