— Bipartisan Support —
With bipartisan sponsorship and support in the Florida House and Senate, Digital Democracy Project (that uses the Voatz platform) was approved for Department of State funding — $125,000 for fiscal year 2024-25. This funding will enable the enhancement of the civic engagement platform to include local initiatives.
The appropriation sponsors were Rep. Rita Harris (D-Dist. 44) and Sen. Keith Perry (R-Dist. 9). Enthusiastic supporters also worked behind the scenes in Tallahassee to get this funding approved. Sen. Victor Torres (D-Dist. 25), Rep. Jim Mooney (R-Dist. 120), Rep. Tom Keen (D-Dist. 35) were also key supporters.
Read more here and sign up to vote if you are a registered voter in the State of Floria.
Update (06/20/24): Unfortunately, Governor DeSantis has vetoed this funding request despite the bipartisan support in the legislature.