This year’s record of accomplishments of the legislative session touched a number of subjects, areas of interest, created some controversy, and addressed other problems awaiting solutions. The legislature passed a $117 billion budget to end the session.
Our distinguished panel is comprised of both participants in the process as well as those who objectively analyze the outcomes and project on the intended consequences of the acts that passed.
The 2023 session included bills aimed at Everglades restoration and water resource protection, school choice, career and technical education, a housing affordability strategy, tax relief for families. The legislature also took on topics and passed controversial legislation such as ending the self-governing status of Disney and concealed carry without permit.
This Forum will present its annual review and recap of the 2023 session.
We welcome you to be present for this Tower Forum discussion.
Jason Pizzo
Florida State Senator
Chip LaMarca
Florida State Representative, District 100
Steve Bousquet
Opinion Editor And Columnist For The Sun Sentinel
Ellyn Bogdanoff
Former Florida State Senator
(Moderator)
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Thu, 06/01/23 at 7:30 A.M. *doors open at 6:45 a.m.
at Tower Club, One Financial Plaza, 28th floor, 100 S.E. Third Ave. Fort Lauderdale
*Please note that participants subject to change.
Jason Pizzo
Senator Jason Pizzo was elected to the Florida Senate in 2018. He currently serves on nine committees, and has the high honor of chairing the Joint Legislative Auditing Committee. Prior to holding office, Senator Pizzo received his undergraduate degree from New York University, and after several years in his family’s private development firm, earned his master’s degree from Columbia University. While receiving his law degree at the University of Miami, he clerked at the U.S Attorney’s Office, and earned the CALI Award for Excellence in Criminal Procedure. Drawn to the courtroom, he was sworn-in as an Assistant State Attorney for the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office. During his time as a prosecutor, he helped create the SAO’s Gun Violence Initiative, which focused on cold case shootings and homicides involving juveniles. In 2021, the Florida Fraternal Order of Police named Senator Pizzo the Legislator of the Year, for his office’s continued commitment to public safety. Over the years, Senator Pizzo’s office has supported thousands of Floridians with issues ranging from housing and food insecurity to navigating the State’s unemployment system. While in Tallahassee for legislative sessions, Senator Pizzo pushes for legislation that focuses on effective solutions that will positively impact Florida’s families.
Chip LaMarca is a lifelong resident of Broward County, representing Broward’s coastal communities. He’s earned a reputation for being a citizens’ advocate and respected voice for the taxpayers, veterans, first responders and pets in Florida House District 100.
After attending Broward College and Florida Atlantic University, Chip followed in the footsteps of his late father helping create jobs in the construction industry. In 2006, after spending over 20 years gaining experience in the construction industry, he opened LaMarca Construction, a firm specializing in power generation. Chip and his wife Eileen now run The LaMarca Group, a business and nonprofit consulting firm. They reside in Lighthouse Point with their French bulldog pup Rocco!
Chip LaMarca
Steve Bousquet
Steve Bousquet is Opinion Editor of the Sun Sentinel and a columnist who writes on many issues of local, state and national importance. He has been a journalist in Florida for four decades. He began his career here as a Broward reporter for WPLG, Channel 10, in 1981, and was a reporter, columnist and Tallahassee bureau chief for The Miami Herald and Tampa Bay Times as well. He joined the Sun Sentinel in 2019. He has covered the Florida Legislature since 1988.
Senator Bogdanoff joined the firm after serving over six years as a Member of the Florida House of Representatives and two years as a Florida State Senator.
She also has over 30 years in the business sector, owning her first insurance business by the age of 21 and, after 16 years, selling her interest in her company. In 1997, she opened a corporate and local government consulting firm. Senator Bogdanoff later attended law school, graduating in 2003. She began her legal career as a litigator and is currently a Certified Circuit Civil and Family Mediator.
After leaving public office in 2012, Senator Bogdanoff expanded her practice to include government consulting in Tallahassee. Her knowledge, experience, and access to key decision makers are extremely valuable to her clients.
Ellyn S. Bogdanoff (Moderator)
Tower Forum does not offer endorsements of any candidate for public office nor does it engage in their political campaigns. If at any Tower Forum event, in its publications, on its web site, or in any social media venue, statements are issued endorsing candidates for public office, or endorsing partisan positions as such, or any statements or positions on issues, such statements do not reflect policy of Tower Forum, its Board of Directors, Executive Director, or Sponsors, and are the sole responsibility of the individual making them.