The Department of State is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the United States for both immigrant and nonimmigrant travelers. The Department of State published a Final Rule regarding increases to certain nonimmigrant visa application (NIV) processing fees and the Border Crossing Card (BCC) for Mexican citizens age 15 and over. These increases were published […]

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel: Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met yesterday with Paraguayan Foreign Minister Julio Arriola.  Secretary Blinken noted that Paraguay is a strategic partner and friend in the region.  The Secretary and Foreign Minister Arriola emphasized the importance of strong U.S.-Paraguay bilateral ties, including our shared commitment to […]

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s family members and associates rely on the illicit drug trade to fund his regime’s violent oppression and abuse of the Syrian people.  Today, the United States is taking action, in coordination with the United Kingdom, by designating six of these individuals, and two entities owned by one of those individuals, for […]

On March 27-28, the United States, as the 2023 chair of the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC), convened the Coalition’s 36 member States, Observers, and Advisory Network of external stakeholders for a Strategy and Coordination Meeting in Washington, D.C.  The FOC is a coalition of governments dedicated to advancing Internet freedom globally. Day 1 of the […]

There is a lot of pro-Putin bias in the Western world. We aim to dispel this “macho” propaganda and reveal true colors of his regime: murder, intimidation, industrialized kleptocracy and well-funded russian fascism propaganda machines. We were born in Russia, we have lost friends to this murderer… we see how he “zombifies” most and intimidates […]

The post Putin’s Bunkers – where is he hiding? by Lyubov Sobol (@SobolLyubov ) first appeared on Social Gov.

The Global Partnership for Action on Gender-Based Online Harassment and Abuse (Global Partnership) is a commitment from the first Summit for Democracy, and an action coalition of the Denmark Tech for Democracy  initiative. It was established in response to the pivotal need to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence as part of a shared global agenda to promote peace, security, and […]

Small Businesses and Thousands of Jobs at Stake as New Legislation Being Pushed Could Devastate the State’s Thriving Hemp Industry

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., March 30, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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Patrick O’Brien, an American veteran, founder of Learn Sativa University and SaveFLHemp.org — an organization committed to protecting Florida’s thriving hemp industry and the small businesses that depend on it — recently spoke before the Florida House of Representatives, advocating for small businesses and the people of Florida. His plea, however, went unanswered as the House pushed forward with House Bill 1475, potentially endangering the entire hemp industry in the state.

O’Brien, along with other business owners and cancer survivors, was allotted a mere 30-second window to passionately argue against the bill’s devastating consequences on small businesses, individuals, and the economy. In a room filled with over 70 opponents of the bill, including stage 4 cancer patients, doctors, and lawyers who attested to the benefits of hemp products and how the bill would adversely affect Florida’s industry, the representatives seemed to disregard the pleas of their constituents.

The hemp industry has contributed significantly to Florida’s economy, providing jobs for over 100,000 people and generating substantial tax revenue. Despite the overwhelming evidence against the bill, hemp businesses were told to “stay in their lane” as HB 1475 continues to push forward.

The bill, disguised as a measure to protect children, would primarily benefit Florida MMTCs at the expense of the hemp industry. The representatives, many of whom demonstrated little knowledge of the plant, its uses, or the science behind it, chose profit over people, voting in favor of the bill while claiming to hear the concerns of the crowd. The proposed legislation is constitutionally unethical and goes against federal guidelines. Moreover, the “guidelines” set by this bill are already in effect in Florida, and the addition of outrageous THC caps and the redefining of hemp in Florida law would only serve to destroy small businesses.

All eyes are now on the next committees, the Agriculture & Natural Resources Appropriations Subcommittee and the Infrastructure Strategies Committee, which have the power to stand with small businesses and prevent large corporations from monopolizing the hemp industry in Florida, a state that prides itself on freedom and opportunity.

O’Brien has also initiated a petition opposing the bills, which can be signed online at saveflhemp.org. With thousands of signatures already collected, the goal is to gather even more support to protect Florida’s hemp industry.

O’Brien will continue his fight for the industry when he returns to Tallahassee for SB 1676, which will be presented before the Fiscal Committee. The bill is almost identical to HB 1475 and could devastate the state’s hemp industry. His determination and commitment to the cause serve as a powerful reminder that the people of Florida will not back down without a fight.

About SaveFLHemp.org

SaveFLHemp.org is a dedicated organization committed to protecting Florida’s thriving hemp industry and the small businesses that depend on it. With a focus on providing accurate information, resources, and advocacy, SaveFLHemp.org works tirelessly to ensure that the voices of entrepreneurs, industry workers, and consumers are heard by policymakers and legislators. Through grassroots efforts, educational campaigns, and strategic partnerships, SaveFLHemp.org seeks to create a sustainable future for Florida’s hemp industry, safeguarding the economic and social well-being of the countless individuals who rely on it.

Contact Information:

Allyson Perez

Director of Operations

[email protected]

720-295-1439

Original Source:

Florida’s Hemp Industry Under Fire: How Two Bills Threaten Small Businesses and Jobs

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SECRETARY BLINKEN:  Well, good afternoon, everyone.  It is a real pleasure to have Foreign Minister Arriola here.  Julio, welcome to the State Department.  And I’m especially pleased because Paraguay is such a strong strategic partner for the United States, and we are standing together, speaking together, working together in defense of democracy, in defense of human rights, not only […]

Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry will travel to London, United Kingdom, from March 28–29, and to Paris, France, from March 30–31. In London, Secretary Kerry will meet with government officials to discuss opportunities to accelerate work on combating the climate crisis, including advancing the clean energy transition. In Paris, Secretary Kerry will further […]