Incoming House leader announces new communications policy and website • Florida Phoenix
House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez is tweaking additional House policies and this time he’s changing how House members communicate with the public.
Perez sent out a memo on Thursday afternoon announcing that from now on House members will no longer need to secure pre-approval from various offices before they send out newsletters or notices of delegation meetings.
“I do not believe it is appropriate for staff to evaluate the content of member communications,” Perez wrote. “I also do not believe it is appropriate or necessary for the House to prescreen the content of those communications. Members should have the freedom to communicate with the understanding that you are responsible and accountable for the choices you make.”
Perez said, however, that he does have two rules: Members may not reference any campaign or election and that no communication can contain statements that would be out of order if said on the House floor.
Other changes announced by the Miami Republican include a new House website, a new email address, and the option for members to post personalized web pages. “MyFloridaHouse.gov” will become “FLHouse.gov.”
In addition, the House intends to allow members to file statements of up to 200 words explaining “what drove you to file the bill and why the bill is important to you.” The statement will appear on the bill information page on the House site.
“Effective communication is an essential component to being an effective representative,” Perez said in his memo. “We hope that you will take full advantage of these new policies and tools, and that you will find them helpful as you tell your story to the people of Florida.”
The new communication policy was announced one day after Perez outlined new rules regarding member conduct and lobbying.
