Top Three Takeaways – January 28th, 2021
- Opportunity Cost. Confession, as a generally wonky kind of guy, opportunity cost crosses my mind daily. The definition of opportunity cost is this: The loss of potential gain from other alternatives when one alternative is chosen. The greatest irony in life is that we’re dying from the moment we’re born, and time is the one asset we never get back. The concept of opportunity cost drives decision making from my desire to bring you in-depth meaningful information you don’t get elsewhere, so I’m not wasting your time, to what I eat in a given day. I don’t expect others, like our elected representatives, to be so considered but it’d be nice if the concept was at least on their radar. Exhibit “A” is the Senate’s desire for an impeachment trial for Donald Trump, currently one of Florida’s newest retirees. They could have immediately voted to dismiss the House’s impeachment, getting on with the business of the country during a pandemic. Instead, the now Democrat-led chamber has decided their time is best served holding a trial. A trial with an already known verdict of an acquittal – no less. What’s happening in the United States Senate stands in contrast to what’s soon to happen in Florida’s state senate.
- Priorities. While Florida’s state session starts March 2nd, the priorities are being set right now. That’s because unlike the federal government, our state’s legislature has no choice but to prioritize the agenda they pursue. Florida’s session is 60 days start to finish and as of today there are already 795 bills filed, if history holds that will jump to over 3,000 by the start of the session. And how many will pass? 200 – maybe. Last year 191 new laws were passed and two years ago the number was 196. With only around 6% of what’s proposed passing who decides what the priorities are each year? You – at least in theory. These are our elected representatives after all and who are they representing? You, right? But if you don’t let your representatives know what you want, whose interests are they really representing?
- Action. A National Research Center study showed only 19% of people contact locally elected representatives. With so few people taking the time to reach out to those elected to represent their interests, it’s natural for the priorities of the minority to effect policy for the majority. If you’re among the 81% who hasn’t contacted your state senator or state representative now’s the time. Over the past year due to the pandemic, the related recession and contested Presidential election, I’ve heard from more listeners than ever wanting to do something to make a difference. So, here’s the idea. Identify one priority. Your top priority for the state of Florida this year. Once you have it, communicate it to your state representative and your state senator. Only 6% of proposal’s which are shaped by the participation of only 19% of the population become public policy. Now, here’s the upshot for such low participation. Your voice holds even more weight. If your top priority were to become law in Florida, would you consider it worth the opportunity cost of your time to have contacted those who are literally elected to represent you? If the answer is yes, make this the year you take action.
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