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Governor Ron DeSantis was inaugurated to his second term as Florida's 46th governor on January 3. FCCB staff joined with faith leaders from around the state to pray for Governor DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez and Mr. Adrian Nuñez, their families, staff and other elected officials before the inauguration event. Fr. Tim Holeda, rector at the Co-Cathedral of St Thomas More, was invited to offer a prayer. 
DeSantis' inaugural address highlighted the value of freedom and liberty in the Sunshine State. The governor went on to enumerate some of his administration's priorities over the past four years, from economic growth in business formation and tourism, disaster response following hurricane Michael and Ian, to empowering greater parental involvement in education. "Florida must always be a great place to raise a family – we will enact more family-friendly policies to make it easier to raise children and we will defend our children against those who seek to rob them of their innocence," said DeSantis. 
The governor also expressed his support for law enforcement, conserving Florida's natural resources, and the need for tax breaks in the face of inflation. 
In closing, DeSantis encouraged all Floridians to continue defending their rights and liberties. "We embrace our founding creed that our rights are not granted by the courtesy of the State, but are endowed by the hand of the Almighty."  
Sworn into office along with Governor DeSantis and Lieutenant Governor Nuñez were Secretary of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, Attorney General Ashley Moody, and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis.
Read the full text of the governor's speech.
 
 

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    FCCB Releases 2023 Public Policy Priorites 
In anticipation of the 2023 Regular Session of the Florida Legislature, scheduled for March 7-May 5, the FCCB has identified its policy priorities. Key issues are identified under the advocacy areas of life, education, health care, and family and social concerns. 
FCCB's Public Policy Priorities are listed on our website and available in a print format for distribution.

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    Legal Battles Behind the Death Penalty with Maria DeLiberato 
Maria DeLiberato, Executive Director of Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty (FADP), joins Michael Sheedy to discuss ongoing efforts to end the death penalty and raise awareness of its injustice. 
Maria was part of the legal team that worked to exonerate Clemente Aguirre, who was wrongly convicted and sentenced to death in 2006. Maria outlines the details and her involvement in the frustrating legal battle that took place before Aguirre’s conviction was finally overturned in 2018. Michael and Maria also discuss what policy efforts may be anticipated in the upcoming 2023 legislative session and the importance of protecting people with serious mental illness from receiving a death sentence. 
Listen to the podcast here.

                  
                
              
            
            
          
        
      
    
  
  
 
  
  
    
      
        
          
            
            
              
                
                  
                    
    Catholic Days at the Capitol: March 7-8, 2023 
You are invited to join Catholics from across the state as they gather in Florida's capital city to learn about the legislative process, advocate for policies that promote human life and dignity, and pray for our elected leaders. By making the trip to Tallahassee and putting your faith and civic responsibility into action, you can make a difference in the lives of fellow Floridians. 
2023 Catholic Days activities include:
A legislative briefing on policy issues affecting human life and dignity
Pre-scheduled meetings with lawmakers
An awards breakfast for Catholic Days participants, Florida's bishops and legislators
Group photos of each diocesan delegation with their bishop
The opportunity to view the legislative process in action
Annual Red Mass of the Holy Spirit concelebrated by the bishops of Florida to pray for those working in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.
We hope to see you there! Pre-registration with your local diocese is required. See diocesan registration forms and coordinator contact information.