Advocating for the Community: 2024 Legislative Session
The 2024 Regular Session of the Florida State Legislature commenced on January 9, 2024, where United Way Miami is addressing the financial challenges faced by Miami-Dade County’s families. The 2024 session comes on the heels of a successful legislative session last year, where our advocacy efforts yielded positive outcomes for the ALICE population. Our efforts secured statewide investment in affordable housing, expansion of access to KidCare — Florida’s child health insurance program and a funding appropriation for our statewide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), free tax preparation assistance program.
Building on this success, United Way Miami, in collaboration with United Way Florida, is poised to continue building a stronger Miami through the state legislative process. Together, we kicked off advocacy efforts during the United Way of Florida’s Tallahassee Fly-In “Capitol Days,” setting the stage for active engagement throughout the 2024 legislative session. Through the 60-day session, United Way Miami will be actively advocating in Tallahassee, engaging with legislators, community leaders and stakeholders to advance policies that address the pressing needs outlined in the 2023 ALICE Report.
United Way of Florida’s Consensus Agenda
Financial Stability
United Way Miami and United Way Florida aim to help over 72,000 families and individuals within Florida’s ALICE population by securing more than $76 million in tax refunds, over $20 million in Earned-Income Tax Credits (EITC) and education tax credits for Floridians pursuing higher education. The organizations propose an investment of $1.8 million to enhance opportunities for free tax preparation statewide in all 67 counties, ensuring improved access and accuracy in financial services.
Housing Attainability
In collaboration with Florida’s network of United Ways, United Way Miami and United Way Florida support the Live Local Act (LLA) passed in 2023, taking significant steps to address attainable housing in the state. The organizations advocate for legislation promoting affordable rental units, expanding access to homeownership programs and addressing childcare affordability.
Health
United Way Miami and United Way Florida urge legislators to support efforts to expand behavioral healthcare access for Florida’s ALICE families. By increasing reimbursement rates for providers and enacting policy changes that promote workforce development, the organizations believe Florida can make meaningful progress in addressing mental health challenges within the community.
Education
Recognizing the importance of affordable childcare, United Way Miami and United Way Florida support initiatives to increase eligibility for School Readiness, introduce new tax incentives and exemptions for businesses supporting access to childcare and create incentives for private sector investment. The organizations also advocate for state investments to increase access to extended early learning programs.
For a comprehensive list of legislative priorities, please click here.
Advocacy in Tallahassee
United Way Miami and United Way Florida will actively engage in Tallahassee throughout the 2024 legislative session, advocating for policies that positively impact Miami-Dade County’s ALICE families. The organizations will collaborate with legislators, community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the voices of those facing financial challenges are heard.
