Argenziano amendment stirs debate

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 23, 2001

TALLAHASSEE -- The special legislative session began as scheduled on Monday, and state Rep. Nancy Argenziano quickly found herself in the middle of a political controversy.

Rep. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, offered a bill that would have eliminated a cost of living increase in the legislators' salaries as a way to ease the pain of the expected state budget cuts.

Argenziano, though, said the move was more for show than for effect, calling it "grandstanding" and "full of bunk." She offered an amendment that would have given House members the choice of doing without all or part of their salaries.

"I've looked at their financial disclosure (forms). There are a lot of doctors, lawyers and owners of major businesses here (in the House and Senate)," she said.

Argenziano, R-Crystal River, noted that some legislators, herself included, rely on their $28,608 legislative salaries to make ends meet. She added that Fasano's bill would save perhaps $80,000, when the legislature is looking to cut more than $1-billion.

But she said the issue goes deeper than simply a paycheck.

"From the first day I came here, I said there should be a better representation of the population," she said. "There are a lot of wealthy people here, and they should be represented. But so should the average Joe. There is a move to keep average citizens out of here."

Fasano's bill was approved 104-7, with Argenziano among those voting no. Her amendment was tabled by House Speaker Thomas Feeney.

Argenziano said this episode showed her that, more than ever, she needs to hear from her constituents about what they want her to do during this special session.

"Many programs in health and human services will be cut, and the speaker is pushing to cut the intangible tax. I have to ask my constituents: If I vote no to this budget, and the speaker takes retribution against my bills or projects, are you willing to live with that?

"Do you want me to cut programs for elders? I've already heard that the guardian ad litem program will be eliminated entirely. Alzheimer's respite care will be cut. The Legislature is pushing counties to raise taxes on the local level. It's not looking good. Help me out."

Constituents interested in expressing their views can e-mail Argenziano at: argenziano.nancy@leg.state.fl.us (put "constituent response" in the subject) or call her office at 563-1204 or 860-5175.

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