Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 1

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder

Significant Findings

 Spano was “embarrassed” Republicans had not yet repealed Obamacare, and said he would vote for “full repeal” – “not a partial repeal or half measure.”

 Spano said it was “hard to express the level of importance of the achievements of President Trump so far” and that Trump had orchestrated a “major economic boom.”

 Spano said he would never vote to raise taxes, supported a flat consumption tax, and lowering the corporate tax rate.

 Spano said he would not change Social Security for those “at or near retirement,” but supported private accounts for younger workers.

 In February 2018, six days after the Parkland school shooting, Spano refused to consider a bill that would enact an assault rifles ban as chairman of the Florida House Criminal Justice Subcommittee.

 Spano said age restrictions for purchasing guns were “unconstitutional” and “unnecessary.”

 Spano sponsored a bill that declared pornography a “public health risk,” which the State House of Representatives debated while tabling gun safety regulation.

 Spano voted for a bill that would permit open carry in Florida, despite opposition from local law enforcement officials who said open carry would make “policing more difficult”.

 Spano voted against expanding Medicaid, which would cover more than 85,000 uninsured residents in his district.

 Spano voted for a bill that would allow some religious private schools to permit guns.

 Spano opposed Roe v. Wade, and voted for a bill that would ban almost all abortions in Florida, making it illegal to perform an abortion unless two physicians certified it was necessary to prevent injury to the woman.

 Spano voted against a special session to pass legislation that would prevent people on terrorist watch lists from buying guns.

 Spano voted for a controversial education bill that would “destroy public education.”

 Spano voted for a budget that cut $25 million from state colleges.

 Spano co-sponsored a bill that would appropriate $2 million to provide liability insurance for public school teachers, despite educators unions calling the appropriation “wasteful spending.”

 Spano voted for a bill that would cut into public school funding by allowing charter schools to use local property taxes for building construction.

 Spano voted to close Florida’s pension system to new employees. Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 2

 Spano voted to remove financial penalties for public schools that exceeded class size limits set by the State Constitution.

 Spano’s campaign paid and reimbursed himself, his law firm, and his family tens of thousands of dollars.

 Spano’s campaign paid and reimbursed him more than $8,000.

 Spano’s campaign paid and reimbursed his law firm more than $9,000.

 Spano’s campaign paid and reimbursed members of his family almost $7,000.

 Spano took $3,000 from the GEO Group, a massive for-profit prison company that has been subject to dozens of federal lawsuits alleging mistreatment of its detainees and operates a family detention center used by ICE.

 Spano’s state campaigns raised $79,975 from pharmaceutical, insurance, and health care companies and their employees.

 Spano’s state campaigns raised $10,450 from energy companies.

 Only 31 percent of the legislation for which Spano was the first named sponsor were chaptered or adopted.

 Only 34 percent of the legislation Spano co-sponsored were chaptered or adopted.

Background

 BORN: July 16, 1966 in Tampa, FL  HOME: Dover, FL  EDUCATION: University of South Florida, B.A. (1994), Florida State University College of Law, J.D. (1998)  PROFESSIONAL: Associate Attorney at Dickerson Law Firm (2000-2003), Director of Business Network International, Brandon Chapter (2004-Present), Partner at Christmas, Spano & Owen (2004- Present)  POLITICAL: Aide in the Florida State Legislature (1996, office unknown), Florida House of Representatives, Dover- District 59 (2012-Present)  COMMITTEES: House Criminal Justice Subcommittee (Chair), Children, Families & Seniors Subcommittee, Judiciary Committee, Justice Appropriations Subcommittee, PreK-12 Innovation Subcommittee  NON-PROFIT: Bell Shoals Baptist Church, Brandon Foundation (Board Member), The Straz Performing Arts Center (Board Member),  ORGANIZATIONS: Florida Farm Bureau, Greater Brandon Chamber of Commerce, Greater Riverview Chamber of Commerce, Junior League of Florida (Board Member), Lowry Park Zoo (Board Member), Seffner Chamber of Commerce (Board Member)  LICENSES: Insurance Agent, Florida

Election For Florida’s 15th Congressional District (2018)

July 2018: Senator Marco Rubio Endorsed Spano

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 3

July 2018: Senator Marco Rubio Endorsed Spano. “Today, I am excited to endorse my friend Ross Spano for Congress. He is a rock solid conservative, who stands strong for what he believes and always defends our Conservative way of life. Visit www.RossSpano.com to learn more.” [Marco Rubio via Facebook, 7/12/18]

Spano Was “Embarrassed” Republicans Had Not Yet Repealed Obamacare, And Said He Would Vote For “Full Repeal” – “Not A Partial Repeal Or Half Measure”

Spano: “I Will Vote To FULLY Repeal Obamacare In Congress. Not A Partial Repeal, Not A Half Measure...A Full Repeal.” “I am embarrassed that Republicans in Congress have not yet fully repealed Obamacare. I will vote to FULLY repeal Obamacare in Congress. Not a partial repeal, not a half measure...a full repeal. I will then work to establish a market-based healthcare system that encourages competition, reduces costs to consumers and restores the doctor-patient relationship once and for all.” [rossspano.com, accessed 8/29/18]

Spano Said He Would Never Vote To Raise Taxes, Supported A Flat Consumption Tax, And Lowering The Corporate Tax Rate

Spano: “I’ve NEVER Voted To Raise Taxes And NEVER Will. Period.” “FAKE NEWS: Neil Combee claims he’ll allow families to keep more of their hard-earned money. FACT CHECK: As a Polk County Commissioner, Neil Combee raised taxes on gas, electricity, water and property, costing taxpayers more than $540 million to date... and says he “makes no apologies” for it. WHERE I STAND: I’ve NEVER voted to raise taxes and NEVER will. Period.” [Facebook, Neil Combee, 8/27/18]

Asked His Thoughts On Government’s Role, Spano Said “The Government's Responsibility Is To Create A Low Tax, Low Regulation Environment In Which Entrepreneurs Are Willing To Risk, Build, And Create Jobs.” “Spano: The government's responsibility is to create a low tax, low regulation environment in which entrepreneurs are willing to risk, build, and create jobs. The government also has the responsibility to enforce legal contracts, provide for public safety, and build necessary infrastructure that supports the economic sector.” [ivoterguide, accessed 8/29/18]

Spano: “Corporate Taxes Should Also Be Reduced To Encourage Companies To Bring Back Cash And Reserves From Abroad And Invest It In The USA.” “Spano: I believe in a fair, flat, consumption tax. The more you consume, the more you pay. Corporate taxes should also be reduced to encourage companies to bring back cash and reserves from abroad and invest it in the USA.” [ivoterguide, accessed 8/29/18]

Spano: “I Believe In A Fair, Flat, Consumption Tax. The More You Consume, The More You Pay.” “Spano: I believe in a fair, flat, consumption tax. The more you consume, the more you pay. Corporate taxes should also be reduced to encourage companies to bring back cash and reserves from abroad and invest it in the USA.” [ivoterguide, accessed 8/29/18]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 4

Spano Supported A Balanced Budget Amendment To The Constitution

Spano: “I Will ALWAYS Seek To Cut Spending And Reduce Taxes. America Needs Representatives Smart And Courageous Enough To Make A Balanced Budget Amendment A Reality.” “Congress, including Republicans, are on a runaway spending train. Our national debt and deficit are out of control and will ultimately lead to the end of our republic. I will ALWAYS seek to cut spending and reduce taxes. America needs Representatives smart and courageous enough to make a Balanced Budget Amendment a reality.” [rossspano.com, accessed 8/29/18]

Spano Said It Was “Hard To Express The Level Of Importance Of The Achievements Of President Trump So Far” And That Trump Had Orchestrated A “Major Economic Boom”

Spano: “It Is Hard To Express The Level Of Importance Of The Achievements Of President Trump So Far In His First Term… I Will Be A Partner For The President To Build Upon This Success.” “It is hard to express the level of importance of the achievements of President Trump so far in his first term. I am proud to support him and reject those that seek to destroy him and our country. In Congress, I will be a partner for the President to build upon this success.” [rossspano.com, accessed 8/29/18]

Spano Said Trump Was “Orchestrating A Major Economic Boom That’s Benefiting Every Demographic Sector.” “Jobs, jobs, jobs... thanks to @realDonaldTrump for orchestrating a major economic boom that’s benefiting every demographic sector. #RealNews” [Twitter, Ross Spano, 7/14/18]

Spano Said He Would Not Change Social Security For Those “At Or Near Retirement,” But Supported Private Accounts For Younger Workers

Spano: “Our Nation Has Made A Promise To Our Seniors, And It’s Our Duty To Keep It. I Am Against Changing Or Reducing Any Benefits For Those At Or Near Retirement.” “I was brought up to believe that if you made a promise, you have to keep that promise. I think that is especially true of Medicare and Social Security. Our nation has made a promise to our seniors, and it’s our duty to keep it. I am against changing or reducing any benefits for those at or near retirement.” [rossspano.com, accessed 8/29/18]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 5

Spano: “I Do Think We Should Offer Younger Social Security Payees The Opportunity To Participate In A Self Directed, Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.” “Spano: The best way to guarantee benefits for future generations is to balance the federal budget, reign in runaway spending and bloated government, and ultimately pay off the national debt. I would not reduce benefits for those at or near retirement. Our promises to Social Security payees should be kept. I do think we should offer younger Social Security payees the opportunity to participate in a self directed, defined contribution retirement plan.” [ivoterguide, accessed 8/29/18]

Florida House of Representatives (2012 – 2018)

Sponsorships & Co-Sponsorships

Career: 31 Percent Of The Legislation For Which Spano Was The First Named Sponsor Were Chaptered Or Adopted

Career: 31.25 Percent Of The Legislation For Which Spano Was The First Named Sponsor Were Chaptered Or Adopted. [Florida House of Representatives, Sponsored Bills of Representative Ross Spano, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Career Legislation As “First Named Sponsor” Legislative Number of Bills As First Number Chaptered or Percentage Chaptered or Session Named Sponsor Adopted Adopted 2018 Regular 19 4 21.05% 2017 Regular 15 1 6.67% 2016 Regular 10 5 50.00% 2015 Regular 14 5 35.71% 2014 Regular 10 5 50.00% 2013 Regular 12 5 41.67% Total 80 25 31.25% [Florida House of Representatives, Sponsored Bills of Representative Ross Spano, accessed 9/13/18]

Career: 34 Percent Of The Legislation Spano Co-Sponsored Were Chaptered Or Adopted

Career: 34.06 Percent Of The Legislation Spano Co-Sponsored Were Chaptered Or Adopted. [Florida House of Representatives, Sponsored Bills of Representative Ross Spano, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Career Co-Sponsored Legislation Legislative Number of Bills Co- Number Chaptered or Percentage Chaptered or Session Sponsored Adopted Adopted 2018 Regular 17 8 47.06% Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 6

2017 Regular 20 8 40.00% 2016 Regular 24 5 20.83% 2015 Regular 27 3 11.11% 2014 Special 2 2 100.00% 2014 Regular 25 13 52.00% 2013 Regular 23 8 34.78% Total 138 47 34.06% [Florida House of Representatives, Sponsored Bills of Representative Ross Spano, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Repeatedly Voted To Restrict Abortion Access, Saying He Opposed Roe v. Wade And Believed Life Begins At Conception

July 2018: Florida Right To Life Gave Spano A “Support-A” Rating

July 2018: Florida Right To Life Gave Spano A “Support-A” Rating. “Congressional District 15 GOP primary: Florida Right to Life gives Danny Kushmer and Rep. Ross Spano ‘Support-A’ ratings. But other candidates consider themselves pro-life, including Neil Combee, who says he didn't receive the group's questionnaire.” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/13/18]

February 2018: Spano Said He Opposed The Roe V. Wade Decision

February 2018: Spano Said He Opposed The Roe V. Wade Decision. “Spano promised to ‘check the power of the government that has begun to usurp in our individual lives’ citing the Affordable Care Act and environmental regulations, and spoke emotionally of his opposition to abortion and the Roe v. Wade decision.” [Tampa Bay Times, 2/6/18]

Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Impose More Requirements On Organizations That Perform- Abortion Related Services

January 2016: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Impose More Requirements On Organizations That Perform Abortion-Related Services. In January 2016, Spano co-sponsored H.B. 1411, “Revising the requirements for disposal of fetal remains; revising the criminal punishment for failure to properly dispose of fetal remains; requiring the Agency for Health Care Administration to develop and enforce rules relating to license inspections and investigations of certain clinics; requiring certain organizations that provide abortion referral services or abortion counseling services to register with the agency, pay a specified fee, and include certain information in advertisements, etc. APPROPRIATION: $245,164.00.” The bill passed 76 to 40 on March 9, 2016 and became law. [Florida Senate, H.B. 1411, accessed 8/3/18]

January 2016: According To The St. Augustine Record, H.B. 1411 Would Require Doctors Performing Abortions To Have Admitting Privileges At Local Hospitals. “Similar legislation (HB 1411), which adds requirements that doctors performing abortions have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals, also was approved 7-6 Monday by the House Health Quality subcommittee.” [St. Augustine Record, 1/26/16]

Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Ban Nearly All Abortions In Florida In Committee

January 2016: H.B. 865 Would Make It Illegal To Perform An Abortion Unless Two Physicians Certified It Was Necessary To Prevent Serious Injury To The Woman. “A House committee passed a bill Monday that would ban nearly all abortions in Florida, but even backers of the bill say its chances of passage, or of surviving a court challenge if it became law, likely are slim. House Bill 865 defines human life as beginning at conception, and would make it a crime to perform an abortion unless two physicians certify in writing that it's needed to prevent Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 7

death or serious, permanent injury to the mother. The House Criminal Justice Committee passed the bill on an 8-3 near-party line vote Monday with one Republican, Ray Pilon of Sarasota, voting no and two Democrats absent. It was the first of three committees the bill must pass prior to a House floor vote.” [Orlando Sentinel, 1/26/16]

January 2016: According To The St. Augustine Record, Spano Struggled To Answer Whether H.B. 865 Was Constitutional, But Voted For The Bill Because He Believed It Was “Right And True”. “The measure was approved by the Republican-dominated panel 8-3. Kerner was among those opposed, saying that supporting the bill would violate his oath as a legislator to uphold the constitution. But Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, supported the legislation and advanced another view. While Spano said he struggled with the question of violating the constitution, he said in voting for the ban he ‘stood up for what I believe is right and true.’ ‘In my heart I, too, believe that life begins at conception,’ Spano said.” [St. Augustine Record, 1/26/16]

April 2013: Spano Co-Sponsored Legislation That Required Health Care Practitioners To Preserve The Lives Of Infants Born Alive From An Attempted Abortion

April 2013: Spano Co-Sponsored And Voted For H.B. 1129, Which Required Health Care Practitioners Preserve The Lives Of Infants Born Alive From An Attempted Abortion. In April 2013, Spano co-sponsored and voted for H.B. 1129, the “Infants Born Alive” Act, which “Provides that infant born alive during or immediately after attempted abortion is entitled to same rights, powers, & privileges as any other child born alive in course of natural birth; requires health care practitioners to preserve life & health of such infant born alive, if possible; provides for transport & admittance of infant to hospital; requires health care practitioner or employees who have knowledge of any violations with respect to infants born alive after attempted abortion to report those violations to DOH; provides penalty; provides for construction; revises reporting requirements.” The bill passed 119 to 0 on April 17th, 2013 and became law. [Florida House of Representatives, H.B. 1129, accessed 8/3/18]

Spano: “If We Can’t Take A Stand To Protect The Most Vulnerable, God Forbid Who We Are.” “Digesting graphic testimony about the fate of unwanted children who manage to survive an abortion, Republican Rep. Ross Spano said the experience 'makes me sick to my stomach, frankly.' 'Who we are and what we do with our children is so absolutely fundamental to what we are as a community and as a state and as a civilization,' Spano said. 'And if we can't take a stand to protect the most vulnerable, God forbid who we are and where we're headed.'” [Daily Mail, 3/30/13]

Spano Repeatedly Voted To Remove Gun Safety Regulations

Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Allow Religious Private Schools To Permit Guns In School If They Had A Religious Institution On Site

March 2018: Spano Said The State Senate’s Refusal To Consider The ‘Church Protection Act’ Was A “Particularly Gutless Move” That Showed A “Disregard For The Ability Of People Of Faith To Protect Themselves”. A bill by Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, to allow concealed carry permit holders to carry guns in church schools apparently is dead. Spano said the Senate has refused to consider it ‘a particularly gutless move’ that ‘shows disregard for the ability of people of faith to protect themselves.’ Churches can authorize carrying weapons in their religious buildings, but not their schools.” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/9/18]

March 2017: Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Allow Guns At Private Schools With A Religious Institution On Site. “Private schools with a religious institution on-site could decide for themselves if they want to allow armed security or concealed guns on their property, under a proposal that got preliminary approval from a House subcommittee on Wednesday. The measure (HB 849) from Polk County Republican Rep. Neil Combee would carve out certain religious private schools from the Florida law that prohibits anyone except law enforcement officers from carrying guns in K-12 schools and colleges and universities, regardless of whether those schools are public or private. Combee said houses of worship -- such as churches, mosques or synagogues -- that also have a daycare or school on their property cannot have armed security, because doing so would violate the state's ban on Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 8

guns in schools and certain other ‘gun-free’ zones. Under his bill, those religious private schools would be treated like any other private property, where the property owner can determine whether to allow concealed weapons. Combee's bill was amended Wednesday by the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee so that it applies only to ‘private school property if a religious institution ... is located on the property.’ The bill passed 10-2, with Democratic Reps. Sharon Pritchett, of Miami Gardens, and Ramon Alexander, of Tallahassee, opposing it.” [Miami Herald, 3/16/17]

March 2017: Spano Said He Voted For H.B. 849 Because There Was A “Need For Protection” Among Churches. “Dover Republican Rep. Ross Spano, the criminal justice chairman, said he attends a church in Hillsborough County where ‘our pastor has received several death threats.’ ‘So obviously there's a need for protection -- yet we also have a preschool facility, and obviously we don't want our church to be breaking the law,’ Spano said. ‘That's what this bill would achieve.’” [Miami Herald, 3/16/17]

March 2018: Spano Said Age Requirements To Buy A Gun Were An “Unconstitutional” And “Unnecessary”

March 2018: Spano Said Age Requirements To Purchase A Gun Were “Unconstitutional” And “Unnecessary”. “Spano said, ‘First, I don't believe the school safety provisions were strong enough to effectively protect our children. And second, I believe the age requirement to purchase a long gun is unconstitutional and an unnecessary erosion of our Second Amendment rights.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/9/18]

Six Days After The Parkland School Shooting, Spano Blocked Consideration Of A Bill That Would Ban Assault Rifles As The Chairman Of The Criminal Justice Subcommittee; Then Voted Against Giving The Bill Consideration On The House Floor

February 2018: After Blocking The Bill In Committee, Spano Voted Against A Motion To Give H.B. 219 Consideration On The House Floor. “A three-term Republican state representative from Dover and a GOP candidate for attorney general, he squelched debate on a bill from Orlando Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith to ban assault-style weapons by refusing to hold a hearing on it in the subcommittee he chairs. On Wednesday, a week after the Parkland massacre, House Republicans voted down a Democratic motion to discharge the bill from Spano's panel and send it straight to the floor.” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/21/18]

February 2018: Democratic State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith Said Spano Refused To Hold A Hearing On The Assault Rifles Ban In The Criminal Justice Subcommittee. “HB 219, sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, of Orlando, prohibits the sale, transfer or possession of large-capacity magazines and assault weapons, including AR-15s. Though it has been referred to three subcommittee or committee stops, it has not received a hearing in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee, where it must first be considered. […] Smith told reporters afterward that he was infuriated at Rep. Ross Spano, a Dover Republican, who has refused to hold a hearing on the assault weapons ban. Spano, however, has devoted extensive time to his own bill (HB 157), which declares pornography a public health risk. That bill was debated on the House floor Tuesday afternoon. ‘He is saying pornography is more important than the epidemic of gun violence,’ Smith said.” [Garden Island, 2/20/18]

HEADLINE: “Commentary: Bravo To A Fallen High School Hero, And Boo To A Legislator Who Squelched Debate Over Solutions.” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/21/18]

According To The Miami Herald, The House Criminal Justice Subcommittee Was the First Committee Assigned To Hear The Assault Weapons Ban. “While Republicans blocked any discussion of assault weapons Tuesday, they did debate at length another bill that declares pornography to be a public health risk. That bill (HB 157), a largely symbolic resolution, is sponsored by Spano, who chairs the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, the first committee assigned to hear the assault weapons ban.” [Miami Herald, 2/20/18]

February 2018: Spano Voted To Block Discussion On A Bill That Would Ban Assault Weapons Six Days After The Parkland School Shooting. “House Republicans on Tuesday decisively blocked a move by Democrats Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 9

to debate a ban on assault weapons in Florida, six days after a massacre that took 17 lives at a Broward County high school. The bill (HB 219), which would ban the sale and possession of semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines like the kind used by confessed killer Nikolas Cruz, has been mired in a House subcommittee for months and has not been heard. Amid rising tensions at the state Capitol, Democrats used a highly unusual procedure to move the proposal directly to the House floor for a debate and vote. Republicans voted it down, 71 to 36. […] Among those voting no were House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land O'Lakes, a possible candidate for governor; three Republicans who are running for attorney general, Reps. Jay Fant, Ross Spano and Frank White; a candidate for agriculture commissioner, Rep. Matt Caldwell; Rep. Jason Brodeur, R-Sanford, whose wife is secretary of the state Department of Juvenile Justice; and the chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, Rep. Blaise Ingoglia, R- Spring Hill.” [Miami Herald, 2/20/18]

Spano Said He Was “Struck” By The Demands For “Immediate Feedback” Following The Parkland Shooting, And Said That It Was “No Time For Quick Thoughts”. "In light of Wednesday's shooting, I'm struck by all of the demands for immediate feedback. This is no time for quick thoughts. We need to take the time to seriously consider a number of options." [WRAL, 2/22/18]

July 2016: Spano Voted Against Calling A Special Session To Pass “No Fly, No Buy” Legislation

July 2016: Spano Voted Against A Special Session To Pass Legislation That Would Ban Individuals On Terrorists Watch Lists From Buying Guns. “A Democratic push for a special legislative session on guns didn't come close to passing - falling 46 votes short of what was needed. But it did force candidates to declare where they stood on a gun control debate that has increasingly become one-sided, at least among members of the general public. In most cases, even the most vulnerable Republicans in the Legislature rejected the request for a special session on passing legislation that would ban people on terrorist watch lists from buying guns. Overall, the effort was defeated 89-50, according to a final Tuesday tally. […] Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, represents a Hillsborough district that has more Democrats than Republicans. While he couldn't be reached for comment, one of his Democratic opponents, Rena Frazier, criticized his vote against the session.” [Miami Herald, 7/5/16]

2015: Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Permit Open Carry In Florida, Despite Law Enforcement Officials Saying That Open Carry Would Make “Policing More Difficult” And “Lead To More Deadly Confrontations”

January 2016: According To The Sun Sentinel, Representatives Of The Police Benevolent Association And Fraternal Order Of Police Said The Open Carry Bill Would “Make Policing More Difficult”. “West Palm Beach Police Chief Bryan Kummerlen and representatives from the Police Benevolent Association and the Fraternal Order of Police all agreed the open carry bill would make policing more difficult. When people spot someone with a gun, it will lead to ‘increased calls for service,’ Kummerlen said. ‘We're going to have to handle those calls.’’’ [Sun Sentinel, 1/7/16]

November 2015: According To The Palm Beach Post, 47 Of Florida’s 67 Sheriffs Said They Would Fight Against H.B. 163. Several lawmakers cited the Florida Sheriffs Association's opposition to the proposal as guiding their decision. ‘We don't need full-blown open-carry. It's not good for Florida,’ said Pinellas County Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, who said 47 of the state's 67 sheriffs have vowed to fight the legislation.” [Palm Beach Post, 11/18/15]

November 2015: According To The Tampa Bay Times, Two Local Sheriffs Said That Open Carry Could “Lead To More Deadly Confrontations”. “About 1.5 million Floridians have permits to legally carry concealed firearms, and there is absolutely no reason to allow them to openly carry those guns. That would not make anyone safer, and it could lead to more deadly confrontations. Tampa Bay lawmakers should listen to law enforcement officers such as Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieri, Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee and St. Petersburg police Chief Anthony Holloway who oppose allowing firearms to be carried openly.” [Tampa Bay Times, 11/17/15]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 10

November 2015: Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Allow Holders Of Concealed-Weapon Permits To Carry Guns Openly In Committee.

November 2015: Spano Said He Voted For H.B. 163 Because He Voted “On The Side Of The Constitution.” “Legislation that would allow holders of concealed-weapon permits to carry guns openly in Florida cleared a House committee Wednesday, but on a narrow vote even after it was amended to try to resolve fears raised earlier by business groups. The Justice Appropriations Subcommittee approved the measure 7-6, a vote made closer when two usually gun-friendly Republicans sided against the bill (CS/HB 163) by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fort Walton Beach. […] Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, acknowledged that reaction to the legislation was polarizing. But in supporting the bill, Spano said he would vote ‘on the side of the Constitution.’” [Palm Beach Post, 11/18/15]

Spano Repeatedly Sponsored Legislation To Remove “Obscene” Content From The Internet

While Sponsoring Legislation To Block Obscene Content From The Internet, Spano Had Favorited Pornography On His Own Twitter Account

OPINION: According To A Tampa Bay Times Columnist, Spano’s Twitter Account Had Favorited Pornographic Content On Twitter. “The sponsor of this anti-porn measure is state Rep. Ross Spano, R- Riverview, who is also running for attorney general. Last year, after he filed his anti-porn bill, a reporter for the Orlando Weekly discovered Spano's Twitter account had once ‘favorited’ a tweet from an account entitled ‘Goddess Lesbian’ that features a 17-second video of two women engaging in sex acts. Spano, for the record, says there is no way he did that. Must've been someone else.” [Tampa Bay Times, Craig Pittman, 2/21/18]

The State House Of Representatives Approved Spano’s Resolution Declaring Pornography A Public Health Risk While Refusing To Debate Gun Safety Regulations

February 2018: Democratic Rep. Carols Guillermo Smith Criticized Spano For Prioritizing The Resolution To Declare Pornography A Public Health Risk While Blocking Discussion On Assault Rifles. “While Republicans blocked any discussion of assault weapons Tuesday, they did debate at length another bill that declares pornography to be a public health risk. That bill (HB 157), a largely symbolic resolution, is sponsored by Spano, who chairs the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee, the first committee assigned to hear the assault weapons ban. ‘Porn is more important,’ Smith told reporters. ‘Has anyone had to bury their child because of pornography? He (Spano) has made that a priority above gun violence. He needs to own that.’” [Miami Herald, 2/20/18]

HEADLINE: Cerabino: It’s Pornographic. Lawmakers Take Aim At Sex Movies, Not Guns. [Palm Beach Post, Frank Cerabino, 2/22/18]

HEADLINE: “Florida House Declines Debate On Assault Rifles, Calls Porn A ‘Health Risk’. [NPR, 2/21/18]

HEADLINE: “As Students Watch, Fla. Lawmakers Debate Porn But Refuse To Take Up Assault Weapons Ban.” [Garden Island, 2/20/18]

February 2018: The State House Of Representatives Approved Spano’s Resolution Declaring Pornography A Public Health Risk. “Pornography is being declared a health risk by the Florida Legislature. The state's House of Representatives approved the resolution by a voice vote Tuesday, despite some members asking why the topic is being taken up at this time. The resolution was sponsored by Rep. Ross Spano, who is running for attorney general. Spano said there's research showing a connection between pornography use and mental and physical illnesses, forming and maintaining intimate relationships and deviant sexual behavior. The resolution states a need for education, research and policy changes to protect Floridians, especially teenagers, from pornography.” [Sun Sentinel, 2/21/18] Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 11

January 2018: U.S. News: Spano Sponsored A Resolution That Would Declare Pornography A Public Health Risk, Saying It Led To A Higher Risk Of “Developing Low Self-Esteem, An Eating Disorder, And A Desire To Engage In Dangerous Sexual Behavior”. “Florida could declare pornography a public health risk that needs education, research and policy changes to protect Floridians, according to a resolution overwhelmingly approved by a House committee Thursday. The resolution is being sponsored by Republican Rep. Ross Spano, who is also a candidate for attorney general. [...] ‘Research has found a correlation between pornography use and mental and physical illnesses, difficulty forming and maintaining intimate relationships, unhealthy brain development and cognitive function, and deviant, problematic or dangerous sexual behavior,’ Spano said before the House Health & Human Services Committee approved the resolution on an 18-1 vote. The resolution spells out those risks and several others, including an increased demand for prostitution. It also says children are being exposed to pornography at a younger age because of advancements in technology. To emphasize that point, he held up his smartphone, saying children have access to pornography 24 hours a day. The resolution says, ‘a child who views pornography is at a higher risk of developing low self-esteem, an eating disorder, and a desire to engage in dangerous sexual behavior.’” [U.S. News, 1/18/18]

Spano Said He Originally Wanted The Resolution To Declare Pornography A Public Health “Crisis”, But Reworded The Resolution To Gain Broader Support. “Spano originally wanted the resolution to declare pornography a public health crisis, but reworded it to say 'risk' to help broaden support for the measure.” [U.S. News, 1/18/18]

A Medical Doctor On The Health And Human Services Committee Said He Voted Against Spano’s Resolution There Was “A Whole List Of Things That Are Important Medically” Besides Pornography

January 2018: A Medical Doctor On The Health And Human Services Committee Said He Voted Against The Resolution Because There Is “A Whole List Of Things That Are Important Medically” Other Than Pornography. “The one "no" vote came from Republican Rep. Cary Pigman, who is a medical doctor. He said after the meeting that there are more important health issues the state should be focused on. ‘We have problems with hypertension, with obesity, with diabetes, with Zika. We have a whole list of things that are important medically. I'm not so sure that we need to spend legislative time annunciating a specific complaint when we have others that are far more pressing,’ he said.” [U.S. News, 1/18/18]

Spano: “The Supreme Court Of The United States Has Made It Clear That States Have The Ability To Regulate Obscene Material”

January 2018: Spano Said There Would Be “Understandable Pushback” Against The Resolution, But Said That The Supreme Court Has “Made It Clear” That States Have The Ability To Regulate Obscene Material. “‘Anytime you brush up against what people perceive as a foundational constitutional right — the First Amendment, the right to free speech — you're going to have understandable pushback,’ [Spano] said. ‘The Supreme Court of the United States has made it clear that states have the ability to regulate obscene material. Obscenity has never been found to be a constitutional right.’” [U.S. News, 1/18/18]

2017: Spano Sponsored A Bill Requiring Makers Of Technological Devices To Create A Filter Blocking “Obscene” Material; A Spokesman For The ACLU Of Florida Said The Bill “Toys Around The Edges Of Censorship”

February 2017: A Spokesman For The American Civil Liberties Union Of Florida Said Spano’s Bill “Toys Around The Edges Of Censorship”. “Kirk Bailey, a public policy advocate for the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida, said the bill may be well-intended but could unconstitutionally restrict free speech rights. ‘I think the problem is people have different definitions of what ‘obscene’ is,’ Bailey said. ‘This [bill] toys around the edges of censorship and free speech.’” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/3/17]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 12

January 2017: Spano Sponsored A Bill That Would Require Makers Of Technological Devices To Create A Filter Blocking “Obscene” Material. “One bill would ban local governments from enacting any business regulations. Another would allow people to sue businesses that ban guns if they get hurt. And a third would ban all "obscene material" from the Internet. These are among the bills before the Florida Legislature this year that a civil liberty advocate says could be unconstitutional or at least overly broad. For example, Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, filed HB 337 last month and named it the ‘Human Trafficking Prevention Act.’ Much of it is aimed at combating human trafficking and child pornography, but it also looks to restrict regular pornography or other sexual content. It would require makers and sellers of any device that accesses the Internet to include a filter that blocks out ‘obscene material.’ That's defined as material with a ‘prurient interest’ without ‘serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.’ [...] Under the bill, businesses would have to set up a call center or website for people to report obscene material that gets through the filter. Those that don't respond or update their filters to account for the material could be sued by the state. Consumers would have to pay the state a $20 fee to deactivate the filter.” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/3/17]

Spano Sponsored Legislation To Address Human Trafficking

2018: Spano Sponsored A Bill That Would Allow Victims Of Human Trafficking To Sue Establishments Where Trafficking Takes Place, Then Filed An Amendment That Would Exempt “The Vast Majority Of Parties” Because Of Pressure From Special Interests

February 2018: Spano Filed An Amendment To Exempt Hotels, Motels, And Restaurants From His Bill That Would Allow Victims Of Human Trafficking To Sue Establishments That “Knowingly Allowed” Trafficking To Occur. “The original legislation, House Bill 167, allowed victims to sue business owners as facilitators for human trafficking if they either knowingly or through willful blindness allow traffickers to use their property or services for their crimes. But its author, Ross Spano, R-Riverview, filed an amendment last week exempting hotels, motels and restaurants from the bill, while instead requiring education of workers in those industries to identify and report suspected human trafficking activity. Businesses that don’t comply with the training requirement could lose their licenses under the proposed amendment, but it would close the door on potential civil lawsuits for allowing trafficking to continue.” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/5/18]

Spano Said He Introduced The Amendment Because Of Pressure From The Restaurant And Lodging Industry. “Spano did not respond to a request for comment Monday, but several advocates familiar with the legislation said he had been told his original bill would be killed in committee if he did not amend it. In December, the lawmaker testified before the House Justice Appropriations Subcommittee that, “Just to be very frank with you, there is some resistance even to the option that punitive damages would be permitted. When pressed by fellow lawmakers, Spano declined to give names but added, ‘It’s certainly not the industry as a whole, but there are certainly some folks within the restaurant and lodging industry who have some concerns that the bill would expose them to undue liability.’” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/5/18]

Advocates For Human Trafficking Victims Said Spano’s Amendment Would Exempt “The Vast Majority Of Culpable Parties” From The Legislation. “‘This amendment would make the vast majority of the culpable parties exempt,’ said former prosecutor Lisa Haba, now a partner at The Haba Law Firm and an advocate for victims. ‘Anyone involved in fighting human trafficking will tell you hotels and motels are ground zero in the battle against this heinous crime.’” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/5/18]

February 2018: Spano Sponsored A Bill That Would Allow Victims Of Human Trafficking To Sue Establishments Where Trafficking Takes Place, If The Establishment “Knowingly Allowed The Trafficking To Occur.” “Bills before the Florida Legislature call for giving trafficking victims the right to sue the lodgings where the crime happens — especially those that take no steps to stop an offense some have called modern-day slavery — to cover costs such as medical expenses and mental-health counseling. ‘Not only will it allow the victims to sue their traffickers, but also any establishment that knowingly allowed the trafficking to occur on their property or was willfully blind to the crime,’ state Rep. Ross Spano, a Tampa-area Republican who sponsored the House Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 13

version, said in an email to The Post. Sen. Lauren Book, a Broward County Democrat, has sponsored the companion bill in the Senate.” [Palm Beach Post, 2/2/18]

2015: Spano Sponsored Legislation To Make Solicitation A First Degree Misdemeanor

June 2015: Spano Sponsored Legislation That Made Solicitation A First Degree Misdemeanor And Allowed Victims Of Human Trafficking To Petition The Court To Have Their Records Expunged. “Spano is the House sponsor of a newly signed measure enhancing the criminal penalties for solicitation. A first offense is now bumped up to a first degree misdemeanor from a second degree misdemeanor. The offender must also spend a minimum of 10 days in jail, perform 100 hours of community service, and attend an educational program on the negative effects of human trafficking and prostitution. It also allows a victim to petition the court to expunge their criminal history relating to human trafficking.” [WFSU, 6/5/15]

June 2015: Spano Said That, In Order To Address Human Trafficking, The Legislature First Had To Address The Demand For The Purchase Of Sex. “Prostitution is seen as one of the greatest drivers of human trafficking in Florida. ‘So, I’ve said, all along that one of the things that many people would acknowledge, but would never do anything about, is the demand for the purchase of sex,’ said Rep. Ross Spano R-Dover). ‘So, until you address that part of that education, you can never fully address the problem of human trafficking.’” [WFSU, 6/5/15]

June 2015: Spano Said Expunging The Public Records Of Victims Of Human Trafficking Would Help Keep Victims Safe From Their Traffickers. ‘It goes into effect October 1st. So do a couple public records exemptions that protect the identity and location of human trafficking victims in law enforcement investigative records. ‘Because traffickers consider and perceive their victims to be chattel or property, when they’re taken away from them, they hunt them down, and try to get them back,’ continued Spano. ‘So, this will actually protect the addresses and identifying information of these safe houses and public records, so the traffickers can’t find those locations and find their victims.’” [WFSU, 6/5/15]

H.B. 465 Passed In The House 113 To 0 In April, 2015, And Became Law. [Florida Senate, H.B. 465, 10/1/15]

2015: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Require The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Number To Be Posted In Key Locations

March 2015: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Require The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Number Be Posted In Key Locations. “The second bill (HB 369), also co-sponsored by Kerner and Spano, provides an answer to the problem: What do you do if you think someone is being trafficked? Maybe it is a neighborhood child, a relative, someone in your class or at the mall. ... What if you are worried about your teen's secrecy on social media or the new cellphone that suddenly appeared from nowhere? Whom do you call to check if you are looking at a potential or actual victim of trafficking? […] House Bill 369 would require that the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline (NHTRC) number be posted in key locations throughout the state, such as airports, rail and bus stations, truck stops, strip clubs, emergency rooms, public libraries, K-12 schools and job recruitment centers.” [Palm Beach Post, 3/1/15]

H.B. 369 Passed In The House 113 To 0 In April, 2015 And Became Law. [Florida Senate, H.B. 369, accessed 8/2/18]

2014: Spano Sponsored Legislation To Strengthen Penalties For Sex Trafficking

February 2014: Spano Introduced A Bill That Would Strengthen Penalties For Sex Trafficking. In February 2014, Spano sponsored H.B. 1017, a bill which “Prohibits employment of minors in adult theaters; requires adult theaters to verify ages of employees & independent contractors & maintain specified documentation; eliminates Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 14

statute of limitations for prosecutions under specified human trafficking provision; revises penalties for various human trafficking offenses; provides legislative intent concerning prosecutions of certain offenses by adults involving minors; revises penalties for various prostitution offenses; repeals certain prostitution offenses involving minors; provides for expunction of criminal history records of certain criminal charges against victims of human trafficking that did not result in convictions; requires destruction of investigative records related to such expunged records; conforms provisions.” The bill passed in the House 115 to 0 on April 22, 2014 and stalled in the Senate Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee. [Florida Senate, 4/22/14, accessed 8/2/18]

March 2014: H.B. 1017 Would Require Owners Of Strip Joints To Keep Records Of Dancers’ Identification To Prevent The Employment Of Minors. “Spano last year helped develop human-trafficking legislation, enabling victims to expunge criminal records for offenses they were forced to commit, and he's expanding on it this year. His big bill, among 10 he has sponsored and 21 he co-sponsored, would require owners of adult theaters - strip joints - to verify the ages of dancers and keep copies of their identification on hand for periodic inspection. Club operators would also have to verify driver's licenses or other ID cards with issuing agencies under the bill (HB 1017) Spano introduced last month. A bipartisan group of 21 members signed on as co-sponsors. It's well-known that Tampa Bay, Orlando and Miami, major metro areas, are the worst in the state for trafficking this way, Spano said. They say the dancers are 'independent contractors,' not employees, but there was one place in Miami that had a 13-year-old girl working there.” [Tampa Tribune, 3/3/14] April 2014: H.B. 1017 Make Trafficking A Minor A Life Felony And Eliminate The Statute Of Limitations For Prosecution. “Following up on his work during last year's session, Spano referred to the legislation as an omnibus bill. The bill addresses some hot-button issues his first piece of legislation on human trafficking didn't cover. The bill, which significantly increases penalties against pimps and johns, likely will face a vote in the House of Representatives next week.It is especially relevant, Spano said, after officials found a 13-year-old girl who was forced to work at a strip club in Miami this year. The bill requires adult theaters to verify ages of employees and maintain specific documentation, eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecutions, and provides for expunction of criminal history records of victims, among other things. It also imposes more substantial penalties. ‘If you traffic a minor, then the penalty is now a life felony,’ Spano said. ‘You have to serve a mandatory sentence of 25 years ... I think we're sending a clear message.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/16/14]

Spano Sponsored A Bill That Would Allow Victims Of Human Trafficking To Have Their Records Expunged

May 2013: Spano Said Introducing Legislation That Would Expunge The Records Of Victims Of Human Trafficking Was His Greatest Success In His First Session In the Florida State House. “Asked his top achievement of this first session, Spano instantly cited a human-trafficking measure that allows victims to have criminal records expunged. Very often, he said, young people smuggled into the country for prostitution, drug activities or other crimes wind up with felony records for crimes they were forced to commit. Two of his bills (HB 1325 and 1327) allow expungement of records and an exemption from public-records laws for that expungement order. ‘It wasn't their fault in the first place,’ he said. ‘You and I can start anew when we make mistakes. But, boy, when you have somebody who can't start over because they have a criminal conviction that wasn't even their fault, in my heart, that was the biggest deal for me.’” [Tampa Tribune, 5/2/13]

April 2013: Spano Sponsored And Voted For H.B. 3125, A Bill That Would Allow Victims Of Human Trafficking To Have Their Records Expunged. In March 2013, Spano filed H.B. 1325, “Victims of Human Trafficking, which “Revises mental, emotional, or developmental age of child victim whose out-of-court statement describing specified criminal acts is admissible in evidence in certain instances; provides for expungement of criminal history record of victim of human trafficking; designates what offenses may be expunged; provides that conviction expunged under this act is deemed to have been vacated due to substantive defect in underlying criminal proceedings; provides for period in which such expungement must be sought; provides that official documentation of victim's status as human trafficking victim creates presumption; Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 15

provides standard of proof absent such documentation; provides requirements for petitions; provides for parties & service; provides for electronic appearances of petitioners & attorneys; provides for orders of relief; provides for physical destruction of records; authorizes person whose records are expunged to lawfully deny or fail to acknowledge arrests covered by expunged record; provides exceptions; provides that such lawful denial is not perjury or subject person to liability.” The bill passed 116-0 in April 2013. [Florida Senate, H.B. 1325, 4/26/13, accessed 7/31/18]

April 2013: Spano Sponsored And Voted For H.B.1327, A Bill That Would Allow Victims Of Human Trafficking To Have Their Records Expunged. In March 2013, Spano filed H.B. 1327, “Pub. Rec/Crim. Hist./Human Trafficking Victims, which “Provides exemption from public records requirements for criminal history records of victims of human trafficking expunged under s. 943.0583, F.S.; provides exception; provides for future legislative review & repeal of exemption under Open Government Sunset Review Act.” The bill passed 116-0 in April 2013 and became law. [Florida Senate, H.B. 1327, 4/26/13, accessed 7/31/18]

Spano Said He Introduced Human Trafficking Legislation Because It Was A “Nonpartisan Issue”. “In Tallahassee, Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, tackled human trafficking in one of the first bills he sponsored as a freshman legislator. Spano became aware of the issue from a friend in law school. Through studying human trafficking, he saw how many victims were prevented from moving on with their lives because of criminal convictions obtained during their time as a trafficking victim. His legislation would allow judges to vacate certain criminal convictions if the offender can prove that they committed them under duress. Spano's bill is one of several bills addressing human trafficking this session, including restrictions on massage parlors and protections in court for minor victims. ‘This is a nonpartisan issue,’ Spano said. ‘It's easier to gain momentum from a legislative standpoint when there's almost no resistance. You've got to be an idiot to not understand and acknowledge that we have to do something to address this.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/18/13]

Spano Voted To Promote Business Interests In The Florida House Of Representatives

Spano Introduced An Amendment To His Human Trafficking Bill To Protect The Restaurant And Lodging Industry

Spano Filed An Amendment To His Human Trafficking Bill That Would Exempt Hotels, Motels, And Restaurants From His Bill Allowing Victims Of Human Trafficking To Sue Establishments That Allowed Trafficking To Occur. “The original legislation, House Bill 167, allowed victims to sue business owners as facilitators for human trafficking if they either knowingly or through willful blindness allow traffickers to use their property or services for their crimes. But its author, Ross Spano, R-Riverview, filed an amendment last week exempting hotels, motels and restaurants from the bill, while instead requiring education of workers in those industries to identify and report suspected human trafficking activity. Businesses that don’t comply with the training requirement could lose their licenses under the proposed amendment, but it would close the door on potential civil lawsuits for allowing trafficking to continue.” [Orlando Sentinel, 2/5/18]

2014: Spano Said He Had No Worries About Being Stereotyped As A “Big-Business Republican”, Then Said He Was Not “Pro Big-Business”

October 2014: Spano: “Some People Might Perceive Republicans As Pro Big Business, But I’m Not.” “The best way to describe myself is a 'new Republican,' he said. I'm somebody who believes in freedom and the Constitution. I believe in individual rights. Some people might perceive Republicans as pro big business but I'm not. Small business employs most of the people in America. I like to identify myself as an advocate for the little guy. That may not be something you expect to hear from a Republican.” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/12/14]

March 2014: Spano Said He Had “No Worries” About Being Stereotyped As A “Big-Business Republican”. “Spano said he has no worries about being stereotyped as a big-business Republican. Generally speaking, I think AIF and the chamber's positions are consistent with mine, he said. Free enterprise and free markets are good things. Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 16

But you can't be expected to walk in lockstep with them on every single thing, and I don't think they expect that. Former AIF President Barney Bishop, who has lobbied the Legislature for decades, said Spano's business-friendly voting record doesn't make him a tool of corporate lobbyists. But Bishop said Spano fits in well with the GOP establishment of the House.” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/3/14]

2013: Spano Sponsored A Bill That Would Exempt 2,000 Businesses From Paying Corporate Income Tax

May 2013: Spano Said The Bill He Sponsored To Increase The Corporate Tax Exemption Failed To Gain Traction Because It Came With A $20 Million Fiscal Impact. “The lawmakers who sponsored the proposal said there was support for it in the Legislature, but it didn't hold up to other pro-business priorities. Rep. Ross Spano, R- Dover, said there was not enough room for the measure in the budget ‘because it came with an approximate $20 million fiscal impact.’” [Politifact Florida, 5/14/13]

January 2013: Spano Sponsored A Bill That Would Increase The Amount Of Income Exempt From Corporate Income Tax By $25,000. In January 2013, Spano filed H.B. 401, which “Revises amount of income that is exempt from corporate income tax; revises amount of income that is exempt from franchise tax imposed on banks & savings associations; provides for applicability.” The bill died in committee in May 2013. [Florida Senate, H.B. 401, accessed 8/2/18]

May 2013: According To Politifact Florida, H.B. 401 Was Part Of Gov. Scott’s Plan To Eliminate Florida’s Corporate Income Tax. “Gov. Rick Scott's effort to steadily eliminate the state's corporate income tax took a hit during the 2013 legislative session. The proposal, SB 562 and HB 401, failed to get any traction among lawmakers in 2013. Scott, meanwhile, did not do much to push what was once a campaign priority and included in his budget recommendations.” [Politifact Florida, 5/14/13]

May 2013: H.B. 401 Would Have Increased The Exemption For Corporate Income Tax By $25,000, Exempting 2,000 Businesses. The measure, which received just one committee vote between the two chambers, would have increased the exemption for the corporate income tax from $50,000 to $75,000. Expanding the exemption would have spared 2,000 more businesses from paying the tax, Scott has said.” [Politifact Florida, 5/14/13]

July 2012: Spano Reducing The Corporate Tax Rate Would Help Grow Florida’s Economy And Create Jobs. “What else can the Legislature do to grow Florida’s economy and create more jobs? […] Spano: Reduce corporate tax rates […] ” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/29/12]

Spano Said He Wanted To Change The Property Tax System To Help Businesses

August 2012: Spano Said He Supported A Real Property Tax Credit For Small Businesses. “‘I'm a small- business owner and born and raised in this community. We ought to try and offer a real property tax credit to mom- and-pop businesses that do business on their own property.’ Such a tax credit would free up money for businesses to hire more employees and make them more likely to purchase their own land, Spano said.” [Tampa Bay Tribune, 8/8/12]

August 2012: Spano Said The Florida State Legislature Should Repeal The Personal Property Tax. “What else can the Legislature do to grow Florida’s economy and create more jobs? […] Spano: repeal the intangible personal property tax…” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/29/12]

Spano Said He Wanted To Shorten The Regulatory Approval Process For Businesses Seeking To Move To Florida

July 2012: Spano Said The Florida State Legislature Should Shorten The Regulatory Approval Process For Businesses Seeking To Move To Florida. “What else can the Legislature do to grow Florida’s economy and create Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 17

more jobs? […] Spano: […] shorten the regulatory approval process for qualified businesses wanting to expand into Florida.” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/29/12]

Spano Voted To Close Off The State Pension System To New Employees, Saying He Would Forego His Own

The Florida House Of Representatives Voted To Close Off The Pension System To New Employees While Still Receiving Pensions As A Part Of Their Retirement Plan

May 2013: Spano Said He Wanted To Forgo His Pension For A 401(k) Style “Investment Plan” After Voting To Close Off The State Pension System To New Employees. “Florida House Republicans tried to close the state's pension system to new employees this year, saying it's a ticking time bomb that could cripple the state's budget for years to come. But many of those same GOP lawmakers are members of the state pension system themselves, according to a Herald/Times review. In fact, more than half of House Republicans could see the perks of the pension when they retire, forgoing the riskier 401(k)-style plans they wanted to force upon new state employees. Several of those same Republicans debated in favor of closing the pension system when it came up for a vote in March. Most of them did not respond to interview requests. Of the three who did, two said they weren't aware that they were in the pension. A third, Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, said he notified the state this month that he wanted to switch to the 401(k)-style ‘investment plan.’” [Miami Herald, 5/18/13]

HEADLINE: “House Republicans Say ‘No’ To Pension For Future Employees, ‘Yes For Themselves.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 5/18/13]

March 2013: Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Close Off The Pension System To New Employees. In March 2013, Spano voted for H.B. 7011, a bill which “Limits ability of members of optional retirement program to transfer to FRS; provides for compulsory membership in FRS Investment Plan for employees initially enrolled after specified date; provides for compulsory membership in investment plan for certain employees; prohibits certain membership in Senior Management Service Class or Senior Management Service Optional Annuity Program; provides that certain participants in optional retirement program for State University System have choice between optional retirement program & FRS Investment Plan; requires SBA to develop investment products to be offered in investment plan; requires SBA to provide self-directed brokerage account as investment option; requires state board to contract with provider to provide self-directed brokerage account investment option; provides self-directed brokerage account requirements; deletes obligation of system employers to communicate existence of both retirement plans; provides additional death benefit to specified members of the Special Risk Class; limits disability benefits to eligible members; adjusts required employer contribution rates for unfunded actuarial liability of FRS for select classes; provides that act fulfills important state interest; requires SBA & DMS to request determination letter from IRS.” The bill passed 74-42. [Florida Senate, H.B. 7011, 3/22/13, accessed 8/2/18]

May 2013: Spano Said It Was Financially Unsustainable To Provide Pensions For New Employees. “Spano said last week that Florida cannot afford to continue adding new employees to the pension. ‘The necessity to fund the plan with $500 million from general revenue this year is an example of why we can't continue down this road,’ he said via email. ‘We have a responsibility to think and plan ahead on behalf of all of the current and future citizens of the state of Florida.’” [Miami Herald, 5/18/13]

December 2017: Spano Voted Against A Bill That Would Allow Retailers To Sell Liquor Alongside Other Products

December 2017: According To The Tampa Bay Times, Spano Voted Against A Bill That Would Allow Retailers To Sell Liquor Alongside Other Products. “[Rep. Fant] also opposed the liquor sales bill, Senate Bill 106, sometimes called the ‘whiskey and Wheaties bill,’ which allowed grocery stores, big box retailers and other stores to sell liquor in the same place as other products. [...] Combee, Eisnaugle, Fant, Peters, Mike Miller, Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 18

Raulerson and Spano voted against SB 106. It passed 58-57, but was vetoed by Gov. Rick Scott.” [Tampa Bay Times, 12/7/17]

Spano Said He Opposed the Legalization Of Medical Marijuana

October 2016: Spano Said He Opposed The Legalization Of Medical Marijuana Under Amendment Two Because, Under Its Language, “Any Medical Condition Could Be Defined As Debilitating”. “Do you support Amendment 2's legalization of medical marijuana? I do not support Amendment 2 because it is too broad in scope in that it fails to define what a ‘debilitating condition’ is to qualify to receive the drug. With this unclear language, any medical condition could be defined as debilitating, allowing abuse of the access to marijuana.” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/14/16]

October 2014: Spano Said He Was “Hopeful” Florida Voters Would Vote Against The Legalization Of Medical Marijuana. “If voters approve medical marijuana, what role should the Legislature play then? […] If the measure becomes part of the state Constitution, Spano says legislators would have no choice but to give it a legal structure and framework. He anticipates the intricacies of the new law will take a few years to hammer out. ‘It's going to be a big job,’ he said. ‘But I'm hopeful we don't have to do that.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/16/14]

2016: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill To Rewrite Florida’s Death Penalty Law, Requiring 10 Of 12 Jurors To Agree On The Death Penalty Instead Of A Simple Majority

February 2016: Spano Co-Sponsored A Compromise Bill That Would Require 10 Of 12 Jurors To Agree On A Death Penalty Instead Of A Simple Majority. “Florida lawmakers have struck a compromise to rewrite the death penalty law in hopes of avoiding more legal attacks and to allow executions to resume in a state with nearly 400 Death Row inmates. Under the deal, a Florida jury could no longer recommend a death sentence by a simple majority. At least 10 of 12 jurors would have to agree to impose a death sentence under a plan that surfaced in the House on Wednesday. The proposal requires approval in both chambers and Gov. Rick Scott's signature. […] On the House floor Wednesday, Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, a co-sponsor of the death penalty bill, defended the compromise and noted that one of Florida's most notorious serial killers, Ted Bundy, was sentenced on a 10-2 recommendation. ‘There has to be balance,’ Spano said.” [Miami Herald, 2/17/16]

Spano Repeatedly Voted Against The Interests Of Public Schools

Spano Voted For A Controversial Education Bill That Would “Destroy Public Education”

Spano Voted For A Bill That The Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board Said Would “Destroy Public Education.” EDITORIAL: “It's time for Gov. Rick Scott to stand up to the Florida Legislature, which appears determined to destroy public education. The governor should start by vetoing the anemic public schools budget and a mammoth education bill that was negotiated in secret and micromanages school districts to death. Unless Scott acts decisively and forces state lawmakers to invest more and meddle less, the march to suffocate local control and promote the privatization of the public school system will accelerate.” The bill passed the Florida House 73-36 and was signed by the Governor. [Tampa Bay Times, Editorial, 5/12/17; Florida House of Representatives, HB 7069, 5/8/17]

Ocala State Banner Editorial Board Said The Education Bill Boosted Charter Schools At Expense Of Public Schools. “We understand some members of the public and the Legislature believe families should have more education options than just those that already exist, and we do not necessarily disagree. But what House Bill 7069 does is try to boost charter schools, many of which are for-profit operations, at the expense of Florida’s public schools. And we are not talking about a little bit of money, either.” [Editorial, Ocala State Banner, 7/9/17]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 19

The Gainesville Sun Editorial Board Said Most Objectionable Part Of The Education Bill Was Shifting Money From Traditional Public Schools To Privately Run Charter Schools. “The most objectionable parts shift money from traditional public schools to privately run charter schools. The measure requires school districts to share more of the meager funds they get for school construction — about $600,000 in Alachua County’s case — with charters. It also includes the so-called ‘schools of hope’ plan to use $140 million to lure charter schools to neighborhoods where students have struggled.” [Editorial, The Gainesville Sun, 6/16/17]

Tampa Bay Times Editorial Board: Scott Poised To Allow “Horrendous Legislation To Become Law” That Further Dismantled Public Education. “Peace in Tallahassee comes at a high price. Gov. Rick Scott and legislative leaders announced Friday they have agreed to spend more money on public schools, promote tourism and rework the governor's pet job incentives program. But the cost of this detente is too steep, with the governor poised to allow horrendous legislation to become law that would further dismantle public education.” [Editorial, Tampa Bay Times, 6/2/17]

Spano Supported Giving $200 Million To Charter Schools That Opened Near “Academically Troubled” Public Schools Rather Than Increasing Funding For The Public Schools

Spano Supported Giving $200 Million To Charter Schools That Opened Near “Academically Troubled” Public Schools Rather Than Increasing Funding For The Public Schools. “The most controversial proposal (HB 5105) would create the ‘Schools of Hope’ program, meant to encourage charter schools to set up near academically troubled traditional schools. The House budget sets aside $200 million for qualifying charter schools, making the issue eligible for the budget talks. The Senate has yet to take up the "Schools of Hope" proposal in a substantive way, but the House approved it Thursday on a party-line vote, 77-40, after about three hours of debate. Opponents slammed the legislation as part of a long-running trend toward giving charter-school operators greater influence in the state's public education system. ‘This is not a school of hope,’ said Rep. Barbara Watson, D-Miami Gardens. ‘This is a Band-Aid that has a sore festering underneath it.’ But Republicans argued that Democrats were in the thrall of the state's main teachers union, the Florida Education Association, and were less interested in looking out for children and parents. ‘They want an option,’ Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, said of parents in the areas affected by the program. ‘They don't care what it is. [...] They just want education for their kids.’” [Citrus County Chronicle, 4/14/17]

Spano Voted For A Budget That, When Adjusted For Inflation, Funded Florida Education Below 2007 Levels

Spano Voted For The FY 2018 Budget. [Florida House of Representatives, HB 5001, 3/11/18]

Ocala Star Banner Editorial Board Said Florida Education Funding When Adjusted For Inflation Was Below What It Was In 2007. “While lawmakers year after year pat themselves on the back for record funding, the fact is Florida education funding, when adjusted for inflation, is below what it was in 2007. We know the Republican leadership in the Legislature and the governor’s office love to hand out tax cuts and special breaks, but education is supposed to be ‘a paramount duty’ of the Legislature and when adjusted for inflation, schools are simply not getting us much funding as they did a decade ago. Moreover, the share of funding coming from the state continues to decline.” [Editorial, Ocala Star Banner, 3/18/18]

Folio Weekly Said Scott’s Education Budget $100 Per Pupil Increase Did Not Represent A Significant Increase For Students In Real Dollars. “News reports indicate that the budget Gov. Scott signed on June 26 includes $100 more per student, bringing the base allocation or FEFP figure up from $7,196 last year to $7,296 for the upcoming year. But does the $100 per pupil boost represent a significant increase for students? In real dollars, the answer is no. In order to cover the costs associated with inflation, which are computed using the Consumer Price Index calculator from the U.S. Department of Labor, Florida would have had to have dedicated $7,313 per pupil in order to merely keep pace with last year.” [Folio Weekly, 11/27/17]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 20

Folio Weekly Said In Real Dollars, Florida Was Falling Short Of 2007 Education Spending Levels By $1,082. “It's bad enough that we've failed to maintain spending levels, in real dollars, over the course of one year. But the news gets much worse when we consider the entire past decade of per-pupil education spending. In 2007, former governor Charlie Crist's education budget allotted $7,126 per pupil. According to the CPI calculator, it would cost $8,377.89 today to buy the same value that $7,126 bought in 2007. In real dollars, we're falling short of 2007 levels by $1,082. In real dollars, Florida is going backwards in terms of education funding-and it's hurting our students.” [Folio Weekly, 11/27/17]

Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Let Parents Work To Convert Struggling Traditional Schools Into Charter Schools

Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Let Parents Work To Convert Struggling Traditional Schools Into Charter Schools. “The parent trigger bill would let parents convert struggling traditional schools into charter schools, or even demand the school be closed. The House version also prevents children at failing schools from having ineffective or out-of-field teachers for two consecutive years.” The bill passed the Florida House 68-51 and died in the Florida Senate. [Miami Herald, 4/4/13; Florida House of Representatives, SB 867, 4/4/13]

A Democratic Legislator Said The Bill Would “Open The Flood Gates For The Privatization Of Our Public Schools.” “Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando, said the bill would ‘open the flood gates for the privatization of our public schools.’ ” [Miami Herald, 4/4/13]

The Florida PTA And Other Education Groups Said The Bill Would Do Little More Than Enable Companies To Cannibalize Struggling Schools. “But the Florida PTA, a coalition of grassroots parent groups, school districts and the state teachers' union have fought the bill, saying it does little more than enable for-profit charter school management companies to cannibalize struggling schools.” [Bradenton Herald, 4/5/13]

When Asked If The State Should Be Spending More On Education, Spano Said “The State Should Be Spending An Adequate Amount To Ensure Students Are Graduating Ready For A Competitive Global Job Market”

When Asked If The State Should Be Spending More On Education, Spano Said “The State Should Be Spending An Adequate Amount To Ensure Students Are Graduating Ready For A Competitive Global Job Market.” Question: “Should the state be spending more on education?” Answer: “The state should be spending an adequate amount to ensure students are graduating ready for a competitive global job market and place emphasis on vocational training, apprenticeships and partnerships with business and education.” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/21/12]

Spano Voted To Advance A Bill Allowing The State To Approve Charter Schools Without Input From Local School Districts

January 2016: Spano Voted To Advance A Bill Allowing The State To Approve Charter Schools, Instead Of Local Districts, In Committee. “A House subcommittee on Wednesday advanced a measure that would ask voters to change the way charter schools are approved in Florida, allowing the decision to be moved from the local to state level. The proposed amendment to the state Constitution would create an optional path to approval for charter school proponents through a statewide charter school commission. The decision today rests with local school boards in Florida's 67 counties. The measure, House Joint Resolution 759, cleared the House preK-12 subcommittee Wednesday along party lines.” [Tampa Tribune, 1/20/16]

January 2016: According To The Tampa Bay Times, Opponents Of The Bill Said It Would Take Power Away From Local School Board To Supervise Charter Schools In Their Communities. “Opponents said the amendment would strip local school boards of their authority to approve and supervise charter schools in their communities.” [Tampa Tribune, 1/20/16]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 21

January 2016: Spano Said He Voted For The Bill To “Let Parents Decide” By Voting On The Amendment. “We are the ones pushing for more opportunity, more control, and more choice by parents, Spano said. We've got to get away from the notion that governments know best. As parents, we know what is best for our children. The measure would require a three-fifths majority vote in both chambers to get on the ballot, and then get 60 percent of the vote to be approved. We are not deciding. We are just putting this on the ballot to let parents decide whether this is their best option, Spano said.” [Tampa Tribune, 1/20/16]

Spano Voted To Remove Financial Penalties For School Districts That Exceeded Class Size Limits

March 2015: Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Ease Penalties For Districts That Failed To Meet Class Size Limits, Set By The State Constitution. In March 2015, Spano voted for H.B. 665, a bill which “Revises calculation of school district's class size categorical allocation reduction to school average when maximum class size requirements are not met; provides for expenditure of funds; requires that district plan for compliance with class size maximums be posted to district website & provided to school advisory council of each noncompliant school; authorizes that plan be posted on noncompliant school's website.” The bill passed 107 to 3 and stalled in the Senate Education Committee. [Florida Senate, H.B. 665, accessed 8/2/18]

According To The Jackson County Floridan, H.B. 665 Would Remove Penalties For School Districts With Class Sizes Exceeding Those Set By The State Constitution. “The House also voted 107-3 to ease the penalties associated with violating the state's class size limits. A 2002 state constitutional amendment limits classes in core subjects to 18 students in kindergarten through third grade, 22 in fourth through eighth grade and 25 in high school. The state now penalizes districts for every class over those limits. The bill (HB 665) would impose penalties based on the overall school average class size. But it would also end the state's ability to take money away from districts that fail to meet the limits. Instead districts with oversized classes would be allowed to keep the penalty money and spend it on reducing their own class sizes.” [Jackson County Floridan, 3/27/15]

The House Democratic Leader Said That H.B. 665 Would “Remove Any Incentive For Districts To Follow Class Size Limits.” “But Rep. Mark Pafford, the House Democratic leader, contended that the change would remove any incentive for districts to follow class size limits. He called it a ‘death by a thousand cuts.’” [Jackson County Floridan, 3/27/15]

Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Allow Charter Schools To Use Local Property Taxes For Building Construction, Cutting Into Public School Funding

March 2015: According To The Jackson County Floridan, H.B. 7037 Would Allow Charter Schools Use A Share Of Local Property Taxes For Building Construction, Taking Away A Share Of Public School Funding. “The Florida House passed several education bills, including one that would let privately-run but publicly-funded charter schools tap into local property taxes to pay for buildings. […] The House on Friday also voted 75-35 for a bill that would allow charter schools to get a share of local school district construction money if the Legislature did not set aside a certain amount. Democrats did not debate the bill (HB 7037) but Pafford in a written statement said the bill would ‘starve public schools.’” [Jackson County Floridan, 3/27/15]

March 2015: Spano Voted For A Bill That Would Set Aside Funding For Charter Schools. In March 2015, Spano voted for H.B. 7037, a bill which “Revises provisions relating to charter school application, certain appeals, funding for & payments to charter schools, long-term charters, nonrenewal, termination, & closure of charter schools, financial statements, charter school representatives & public meetings, governing board residency requirements, high-performing charter schools, termination of virtual instruction provider contracts, capital outlay funding, & charter school professional development; authorizes charter school to defer opening & use of certain funds for educational purposes; establishes Florida Charter School Innovation Institute; provides appropriation. APPROPRIATION: $3,374,420.00.” The bill passed 75 to 35 and stalled in the Senate Education Committee. [Florida Senate, H.B. 7037, accessed 8/2/18] Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 22

Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Increased Funding For School Districts That Adopted Uniforms

March 2015: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Appropriated $10,000,000 To Increase Funding For Districts That Adopted School Uniforms. In March 2015, Spano co-introduced H.B. 7043, the “Standard Attired for Education (SAFE) Act”, which “authorizes school boards to adopt standard student attire policy; limits liability for districts that implement attire policy; creates safe schools allocation to provide funding for certain safe schools activities; provides for withholding of funds from districts that do not comply with certain school safety & student discipline reporting; provides for incentive payments to school districts that implement standard student attire policies; provides appropriation. APPROPRIATION: $10,000,000.00.” The bill passed 102 to 8 in March 2015 and stalled in the Senate Education Committee. [Florida Senate, H.B. 7043, accessed 8/2/18]

According To The Jackson County Floridan, H.B. 7043 Would Increase Funding For Districts That Adopted A Uniform Policy By $10 Per Student. “But one new approach House leaders are pushing would provide a financial incentive to school districts that require elementary and middle school students to wear uniforms. The House voted 102-8 for the measure (HB 7043) that would pay districts $10 more per student if a uniform policy is adopted. Districts are currently paid nearly $7,000 for each student.” [Jackson County Floridan, 3/27/15]

March 2015: According To The Jackson County Floridan, Supporters Of H.B. 7043 Believed A Uniform Policy Would Shield School Districts From Lawsuits. Legislators backing the proposal say that uniforms could help improve school safety and would remove stress that comes from students having to figure out what to wear to school each day. Districts would be shielded from lawsuits if they implement the uniform policy. School uniforms would have to feature solid colors.” [Jackson County Floridan, 3/27/15]

Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Appropriate $2 Million To Provide Liability Insurance For Public School Teachers, Despite Educators Unions Saying The Appropriation Was Unnecessary And Wasteful

March 2015: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill That Would Appropriate $2 Million For Liability Insurance For Public School Teachers; A Spokesman For The Florida Education Association Said The Proposal Was Unnecessary. “A proposal to require the state to provide liability insurance to protect public school teachers has received strong support, despite opposition from the state's largest teachers union. The legislation (House Bill 587) cleared its first two committee stops with unanimous consent. The proposal would require the state Department of Education to administer a liability insurance program, which would protect educators from liability on claims stemming from on-the-job incidents and would provide $2 million in coverage to full-time instructional personnel, such as teachers. Language in the House education budget also calls on the state's education department to administer a liability insurance program. […] Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, the bill sponsor, said the insurance program would protect teachers if a claim is filed against them, but a spokesman for the Florida Education Association said such a program ‘just isn't necessary.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/26/15]

March 2015: A Spokesman For The Florida Education Association Said That They Already Offer Teachers Liability Insurance, And That Taxpayer-Funded Liability Insurance Would Be ‘Wasteful Spending’. “‘The last time the state offered this liability insurance, it cost taxpayers $4 million and paid out one claim,’ said Mark Pudlow, a spokesman for the Florida Education Association. ‘This is wasteful spending. There are many other places in public schools that could better use whatever dollars are spent on this.’ The Florida Education Association offers liability insurance, and Pudlow said all 140,000 members are covered by that program. Pudlow said his organization has not experienced an uptick in claims in recent years.” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/26/15]

March 2015: Spano Said He Did Not Expect The Taxpayer-Funded Liability Insurance Would Be Used To Cover Many Cases, But Sponsored The $2 Million Appropriation For ‘If And When There Is’ A Case. “‘The expectation is that we're not going to have a lot of claims,’ said Spano. ‘We hope that's the case, but if there is and Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 23

when there is, we want to make certain that teachers don't have to worry and be concerned in having to come out of their own pockets for costs for an attorney to defend themselves.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/26/15]

Spano Introduced A Bill To Restructure The Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) To Benefit Small, Private Schools

March 2016: H.B. 31 Unanimously Passed The Florida House. “The legislation (HB 31), sponsored by Rep. Ross Spano, unanimously passed the chamber Monday. It allows schools to join the Florida High School Athletic Association on a per-sport basis, along with allowing for an informal conference procedure to be used for student eligibility issues. Private or public schools may also be a member of another high school athletic association without reprisals from the FHSAA.” [Tampa Bay Times, 3/7/16]

January 2016: Spano Introduced A Bill That Would Allow Restructure The FHSAA By Allowing Schools To Join On A Per-Sport Basis And Limiting The Amount The FHSAA Could Charge Schools For Membership. “It appears as if the efforts are being focused on the Senate side, said House sponsor Ross Spano, R-Dover. The proposals would allow schools to join the FHSAA on a per-sport basis and limit how much can be charged for some association-sponsored competitions. Currently, a school that joins the FHSAA in any sport has to be a member in every sport. The practical effect of (the association's rule) is that smaller schools who just can't field competitive teams for the larger sports end up suffering, Spano said.” [Tampa Tribune, 1/15/16]

December 2015: Spano Said That Requiring Schools To Be Members In All FHSAA Sports Hurt Small, Private Schools. Ross Spano, R-Dover, says small, private schools suffer by having to follow rules set by the Florida High School Athletic Association because they have to comply with those rules for all sports, even though they might only offer a single sport. Private schools are not required to join the FHSAA. ‘They have to comply with every single rule, every single regulation, every single tedious requirement and they have to provide the FHSAA with gate receipts. Even if they don't participate in that sport, the FHSAA has their hand in their pocket,’ Spano said. His legislation (HB 31) would allow schools to join the FHSAA on a per-sport basis and give them the option of joining other alternative associations for other sports.” [Miami Herald, 12/1/15]

December 2015: Spano’s Bill Would Restrict The Amount The FHSAA Could Charge Schools; The FHSAA Executive Director Said That The Bill Misunderstood The Organization’s Financing. “Spano's bill would also restrict how much in fees and dues the FHSAA could charge to only as much as the organization needs to put on events. Spano describes it as a cost-accountability measure, and he also noted that the non-profit association has more than $5 million in the bank, or about the same amount as its annual budget. Dearing said the language of the bill misunderstands the FHSAA's revenue stream and he said the association shouldn't be penalized for sound financing. Having a 100-percent fund balance, in case something happens, is ‘a good business practice; I don't think we should be criticized for that,’ Dearing said. Dearing added that only half of the FHSAA's $5.2 million annual budget comes from event fees, so already, ‘we don't collect more than what it costs to do it.’ The balance of the association's budget comes from sponsorships, he said. ‘I would like to have someone explain the logic of monitoring dues and fees, when we can show you a direct history of how we've alleviated the costs from our schools and passed that on to third-party entities,’ Dearing said.” [Tampa Bay Times, 12/1/15]

April 2013: Spano Voted For Legislation That Would Allow Parents To Vote On What To Do With ‘Failing’ Public Schools

April 2013: Spano Voted For H.B. 867, The “Parent Empowerment In Education Act”, Which Would Allow Parents To Vote On Making ‘Failing’ Public Schools Charter Schools Or Reassigning Students. In April 2013, Spano voted for H.B. 867, the “Parent Empowerment In Education Act”, which “Authorizes parents who have students in public school that is implementing turnaround option to petition to have particular turnaround option implemented; requires school district to notify parent of student taught by out-of-field teacher or teacher with unsatisfactory performance rating; authorizes parent of student to consent to assignment of that student to Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 24

teacher with performance evaluation rating of less than effective under certain circumstances.” The bill passed 68 to 51 on April 4th, 2013 and failed in the Senate. [Florida Senate, HB 867, accessed 8/3/18]

According To The St. Augustine Record, Public School Districts And Teachers’ Unions Opposed HB 867 For Disempowering Public Schools. “The House Choice and Innovation subcommittee cleared the "Parent Empowerment in Education Act" (HB 867) on a party-line 8-5 vote. Known informally as the ‘parent trigger’ bill, it would allow parents to vote on what to do with a failing school. Options include reassigning students to other schools or handing the school over to a private company to run as a charter school. The local school board makes the decision, but that decision which may be against the majority of parents' wishes can be overruled by the State Board of Education. And just as it did last year, the bill is summoning up the blood of both sides. Opponents, like public school districts, teachers' unions and parents' groups, call it a back-door way to hand public schools over to private educational companies. Backers say that by giving parents a voice, it will encourage them to get involved in their children's schools.” [St. Augustine Record, 3/8/13]

Spano Said That Parents “Deserve The Right” To “Have A Voice… In What Happens In Perennially Failing Schools”. “Supporters of the proposal say it will encourage parents to get more involved in their children's education and improve chances for children trapped in failing schools. ‘All this bill does is allow parents to have a voice ... in what happens in perennially failing schools. And they deserve that right,’ said Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover.” [Florida Times Union, 3/10/13]

Democrats Said H.B. 867 Wouldn’t Be Necessary If Republicans Had Properly Funded Florida’s Public Schools. “But Rep. Mark Pafford, a West Palm Beach Democrat, said the bill wouldn't be needed if Republicans had historically funded public education at higher levels. ‘Don't look back here,’ he said. ‘For 16 years, this has been your gig, this is your party, and this is your failure. You've let the public education system slide away.’” [St. Augustine Record, 4/5/13]

Spano Said He Wanted To Strengthen Florida’s Vocational Schools

March 2013: Spano Said He Would Support Gov. Scott’s Goal To Link Florida’s Education System With Job Creation. He has sponsored 11 bills this year and co-signed 11 others, a heavy load for a first-term member. His priority is one Gov. Rick Scott devoted a lot of attention to in his State of the State speech: linking Florida's education policies tightly to job creation and preparing high school and college graduates for the kind of workforce the state hopes to build. ‘That's one of the things I talked about a lot during the campaign,’ he said. ‘I think we're losing a lot of kids, and I think we need to reach out to them. This is not to discourage them from going to college -- that's not the issue -- it's to give them the opportunity to have a skill when they graduate.’” [Tampa Tribune, 3/5/13]

November 2012: Spano Said He Wanted To Strengthen Vocational Schools. “Like Lee, Spano said he hopes to work with education officials and businesses to help align curriculum with jobs and not just for students heading to college. He wants the state to bolster its vocational programs to give more students an opportunity to get a good job, with proper training.” [Tampa Tribune, 11/14/12]

Spano Said He Supported School Vouchers

August 2012: Spano Said He Supported School Vouchers. “[Spano] also favors vouchers that allow parents to choose between public and private schools for their children.” [Tampa Tribune, 8/8/12]

August 2012: Spano Said He Would Consider Expanding The School Voucher Program. “As for education, Spano said school districts must be persuaded to focus on students and teachers. He said he favors vouchers that give parents a choice on where to send their children to school and would consider expanding the voucher program.” [Tampa Tribune, 8/1/12]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 25

Throughout Spano’s Time In The Legislature, Florida’s Schools Have Consistently Ranked In The Bottom 10 Out Of 50 States And Washington DC

FY 2017: In Terms Of Per-Pupil Spending, Florida Ranked 41st Out Of 50 States And Washington DC, According To Figures From The NEA. [NEA Rankings and Estimates Report, April 2018]

FY 2016: In Terms Of Per-Pupil Spending, Florida Ranked 42nd Out Of 50 States And Washington DC, According To Figures From The NEA. [NEA, Rankings Of States, May 2016]

FY 2015: In Terms Of Per-Pupil Spending, Florida Ranked 42nd Out Of 50 States And Washington DC, According To Figures From The NEA. [NEA, Rankings Of States, May 2016]

FY 2014: In Terms Of Per-Pupil Spending, Florida Ranked 42nd Out of 50 States And Washington DC, According To Figures From The US Census Bureau. [Governing.com, Education Spending Per Student By State, 8/2016]

FY 2013: In Terms Of Per-Pupil Spending, Florida Ranked 42nd Out Of The 50 States And Washington DC, According To Figures From The National Center For Education Statistics. [Washington Post, 1/27/16]

Spano Voted For A Budget That Cut $25 Million From State Colleges

Spano Voted For A Budget That Included A $24.7 Million Cut To State College System. “State college leaders were dismayed that the $82.4 billion budget (SB 2500) passed May 8 by the Legislature… the college system would face a 2 percent cut, or $24.7 million.” The budget passed the House 89-26 and was signed by the Governor. [News Service Of Florida, 5/28/17; Florida House of Representatives, SB 2500, 4/13/17]

2017: Scott Signed Budget That Cut $25 Million From Florida’s State Colleges. “Part of Scott’s reasoning for vetoing the bill was his approval of about $25 million in cuts to the two-year college system.. Those cuts were part of the annual 2017-18 state budget that Scott signed off on June 2.” [Inside Higher Education, 6/16/17]

HEADLINE: “College Cuts Spur Calls For Budget Veto.” [News Service Of Florida, 5/28/17]

Spano Voted Against The Republican Leadership, Opposing A Bill That Would Speed Up The Mortgage Foreclosure Process

Spano Was One Of Two Republicans Who Voted Against A Bill That Would Speed Up The Mortgage Foreclosure Process

March 2014: Spano Said He “Took A Lot Of Heat” From Business Lobbyists For Voting Against A Bill That Would Speed Up The Mortgage Foreclosure Process. “Spano got an A rating from the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida in his first session. He parted company with the business lobbyists mainly on a foreclosure bill, which Spano said tilted a bit against homeowners in speeding up the process. I took a lot of heat on the foreclosure bill last year because I was one of only two Republicans voting against it, Spano said. The other, he said, was then-Rep. Mike Fasano, of New Port Richey, a renegade who now is the Pasco County tax collector.” [Tampa Tribune, 3/3/14]

May 2013: Spano Voted Against Republican Leadership By Opposing A Bill That Would Speed Up The Mortgage Foreclosure Process, Saying That It Would Not Serve His District. “Spano bucked the leadership, though, in opposing a mortgage foreclosure bill, which passed late last week. It is designed to speed the foreclosure process and help reduce a backlog of housing in the real estate market. ‘I didn't feel like, given my district and the Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 26

details of the bill itself, I could go along with that,’ Spano said. ‘I was expected to go along with leadership on that, but they gave me the flexibility to be able to vote my conscience on that.’” [Tampa Tribune, 5/2/13]

Spano Sponsored A Bill That Increased Penalties For Retail Theft

March 2013: Spano Sponsored HB 1173, A Bill That Would Increase Penalties For Retail Theft. “The legislative proposal sponsored by Representative Ross Spano (House Bill 1173) and Senator Kelli Stargel (Senate Bill 1404) would enhance the penalties for a violation of Florida Statute 817.034(4)(a) by increasing the sentencing scoring guidelines for an organized retail theft offense that exceeds $50,000. The enhanced penalties align the sentencing of organized retail theft charges with first degree grand theft. As a result, a person convicted of retail theft at $50,000 or more would face a baseline sentence of 21 months in prison.” [Attorney General Pam Bondi, 3/7/13]

HB 1173 Passed Unanimously In The State House In April 2013, And Became Law In October 2013. [Florida Senate, accessed 7/26/18]

Spano Voted Against Expanding Medicaid Under The Affordable Care Act, Which Would Cover 1.2 Million Low Income Florida Residents And More Than 85,000 Uninsured Residents Of Hillsborough County

June 2013: Spano Said That The Legislature Was Not “Hard-Hearted” Because They Voted Against Accepting Federal Funding For Medicaid. “Though the Legislature didn't reach a conclusion on Medicaid this session, Spano wanted residents to know that both the House and the Senate are committed to finding a solution. ‘Please believe us, we're not hard-hearted,’ Spano said. ‘I think everybody should have medical care. The issue is what kind of care. Is it a government system that Medicaid has shown is broken, too expensive and out of control, or are we trying to come up with something that's better and still provides care?’” [Tampa Bay Times, 6/2/13]

May 2013: Spano Voted Against Accepting $51 Billion In Federal Funding For Medicaid, Which Would Cover 1.2 Million Low Income Residents. “Like most Republicans in the House, Spano sided with Weatherford in rejecting Gov. Rick Scott's attempt to expand Medicaid coverage for about 1.2 million poor people under the national Affordable Care Act. The Senate came up with its own plan for drawing down the federal Medicaid money, which is estimated at $51 billion over 10 years. But Weatherford insisted that the state couldn't gamble on Washington keeping the money coming year after year.” [Tampa Tribune, 5/2/13]

May 2015: According To The Tampa Bay Times, The Senate’s Plan To Expand Medicaid Would Cover 85,725 Uninsured Residents In Hillsborough County. “The number of uninsured Hillsborough County residents who could have health coverage under Medicaid expansion is 85,725. Call or email these six House Republicans from Hillsborough and tell them to support the Senate's plan to accept federal Medicaid expansion money: Ross Spano Dover 850-717-5059 ross.spano@ myfloridahouse.gov.” [Tampa Bay Times, 5/31/15]

April 2015: EDITORIAL: Senate’s Plan To Accept Federal Funding For Medicaid Would Save Florida More Than $1.7 Billion. “The economic case for accepting the federal money and expanding access to health care is persuasive. It would bring tens of billions from Washington to Florida. It would save the state more than $1.7 billion over five years by replacing existing health care programs. It would help residents paying higher private insurance premiums to subsidize the cost of charity care.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/10/15]

October 2014: According To The Tampa Bay Times, Spano Had No Alternative Plan To Covering The Uninsured. “Spano opposes accepting federal Medicaid expansion money but offers no alternative for covering those without health insurance. He also supports tax-funded vouchers for private school tuition. Neither advances the bread-and-butter needs of this working-class constituency.” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/10/14]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 27

March 2013: Spano Said He Supported Some Kind Of Safety Net For Low-Income Residents, But Said That Medicaid Expansion Would Be Too Costly For Taxpayers. “Spano said he supports House Speaker Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, in his opposition to Scott's plan to expand the Medicaid program to cover about 1 million more low income people. He said the state needs to find a ‘safety net’ for the working poor, but that committing to a multibillion-dollar expansion of Medicaid could leave taxpayers on the hook in three years if the federal government backs out of promised funding of the expansion.” [Tampa Tribune, 3/5/13]

March 2013: Spano Co-Sponsored A Measure To Ban Texting While Driving

April 2013: Spano Co-Sponsored A Bill To Ban Texting While Driving. In April 2013, Spano co-sponsored and voted for H.B. 13, “Use Of Wireless Communications Devices While Driving”, which creates ‘Florida Ban on Texting While Driving Law’; prohibits operation of motor vehicle while using wireless communications device for certain purposes.” The bill passed unanimously without a vote. [Florida Senate, H.B. 13, 4/30/13, accessed 7/31/18]

H.B. 13 Contained An Amendment That Prohibited Police From Searching A Driver’s Phone Records For Evidence Of Texting While Driving. “Aside from the 11 bills he sponsored, Spano also co-signed the bill that bans texting while driving (HB 13). It passed, with an amendment that forbids police to search a driver's phone records for evidence unless a crash involves death or injury.” [Tampa Tribune, 5/2/13]

2012: According To The Tampa Tribune, Spano Believed Florida Should Stop Buying And Preserving Federal Land

February 2018: Spano Promised To ‘Check The Power Of The Government’ To Enact Environmental Regulations In U.S. House Of Representatives. “Spano promised to ‘check the power of the government that has begun to usurp in our individual lives’ citing the Affordable Care Act and environmental regulations, and spoke emotionally of his opposition to abortion and the Roe v. Wade decision.” [Tampa Bay Times, 2/6/18]

October 2012: According To The Tampa Tribune, Spano Believed Florida Should Stop Buying And Preserving Federal Land. “[Spano] favors lower taxes and less regulation and believes the state should take a break from buying and preserving environmental land.” [Tampa Tribune, 10/6/12]

Spano Supported SCOTUS Decision In Masterpiece Cakeshop Case

Spano Supported SCOTUS Decision In Masterpiece Cakeshop Case As A Ruling “Against Liberal Judges Who Equate Christian Values To Slavery And The Holocaust.” “Victory for @realDonaldTrump and for the Nation: @Scotus rules against liberal judges who equate Christian values to slavery and the Holocaust. #MAGA #AmericaIsGreatAgain #ReligiousFreedom #1A #LetFreedomRing” [Twitter, Ross Spano, 6/4/18]

Political Career

Spano Was Elected To The Florida House Of Representatives In 2012, Vacating The Seat In His Third Term To Run For Attorney General, Then Florida’s 15th Congressional District

July 2018: Spano Experienced A “Mild Cardiac Event” While Campaigning To Represent Florida’s 15th Congressional District

July 2018: “Ross Spano Suffers ‘Mild Cardiac Event,’ Expected To Return To Campaign Trial Soon.” State Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, a candidate for Congress, has experienced what his campaign calls ‘a mild cardiac event’ and is off the campaign trail, at least temporarily. An emailed statement from the Spano campaign said he experienced the vent Sunday evening following a strenuous workout Sunday. Spokeswoman Sandi Poreda said she Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 28

said she couldn't elaborate on the nature of the cardiac event. Asked how long Spano is likely to be off the campaign trail, Poreda said, ‘Everybody's been pretty optimistic – I don't expect it would be anything prolonged.’ Spano's return to campaigning is ‘not in question,’ she said. ‘The campaign is not suspended.’ She said Spano, 52, experienced the problem after about 1 ½ hours of weightlifting. The campaign statement said his prognosis is good, and a complete recovery is expected. Here's the text of the statement from the campaign: ‘The Spano for Congress Campaign today issued a statement after Representative Ross Spano experienced a mild cardiac event yesterday following a strenuous workout. First responders were at the scene within minutes and he was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated with expert care. His prognosis is good, and he is expected to make a full and complete recovery.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 7/23/18]

April 2018: Spano Left The Race For Florida Attorney General To Run For Florida’s 15th Congressional District After Rep. Ross Announced His Retirement

July 2018: Marco Rubio Endorsed Spano In The Republican Primary To Represent Florida’s 15th Congressional District. [Tampa Bay Times, 7/12/18]

May 2018: Florida’s Attorney General Patt Bondi Endorsed Spano In The Republican Primary To Represent Florida’s 15th Congressional District. “The Ross Spano campaign for the U.S. House District 15 seat has announced an endorsement from state Attorney General Pam Bondi, as an endorsement battle continues between Spano and Neil Combee in the GOP primary. Spano, a state House member from Dover in east Hillsborough County, and Combee, a former state House member from Polk City, both are seeking endorsements to show support in both Hillsborough and Polk, the two dominant counties in the district. But Bondi is the biggest name to surface so far. In a news release, Bondi, a Tampa native, called Spano ‘a tried and true rock solid Conservative who will go to Washington, defend our Conservative values and partner with President Trump.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 5/22/18]

May 2018: Two Polk County Commissioners And County Commissioner Al Higginbotham Endorsed Spano In The Republican Primary To Represent Florida’s 15th Congressional District. “Polk commissioners John Hall and George Lindsey backed Spano, along with several Hillsborough Republicans: Tax Collector Doug Belden; county Commissioner Al Higginbotham; former State Attorney Mark Ober; state Rep. Jake Raburn of Lithia; former state Rep. Rich Glorioso; and Plant City Mayor Rick Lott, former Mayor Randy Larsen, Vice-Mayor Bill Dodson and former city Commissioner Billy Keel.” [Tampa Bay Times, 5/14/18]

HEADLINE: “Do These Endorsements Mean Ross Spano Is The Favorite To Replace Dennis Ross In Congress?” [Tampa Bay Times, 5/14/18]

April 2018: Spano Left The Race For Florida Attorney General To Instead Run To Represent Florida’s 15th Congressional District. “State Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, will announce today that he'll run for the District 15 U. S. House seat being vacated by Dennis Ross. Spano, 51, an attorney, is currently in his third term in the state House and one of four Republican candidates for state attorney general. Sources close to his campaign said he'll announce the switch to the U.S. House race today. Ross, a Lakeland Republican, surprised the Tampa Bay area political world last week by announcing he won't seek what likely would have been an easy re-election to his congressional seat. But Spano is only one of a number of prominent East Hillsborough and Polk County Republicans considering a run to replace Ross, including state Sen. Tom Lee, R-Thonotosassa. Ross's last-minute resignation left comparatively little time for Lee and others to jockey into position for the race. The qualifying period for federal offices is April 30-May 4.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/16/18]

According To A Consultant For The Spano Campaign, Spano Would Refund The Approximately $100,000 He Raised In His Race For State Attorney General. “State Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, switching from the state attorney general's race to a race for Congress, will walk away from around $100,000 in campaign money because of the different fundraising regulations for state and federal offices. […] Mikosky said Spano will give donors pro-rated refunds of the remaining money in his campaign and committee accounts. Stricter Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 29

federal fundraising rules make it impossible to transfer money from a state campaign into a federal race.” [Tampa Bay Times, 4/27/18]

November 2017: Spano Vacated His Seat In The Florida House Of Representatives To Run For Florida Attorney General

November 2017: Spano Said That He Was The Only Candidate In The Republican Field With “The Legislative Experience, The Conservative Values, And To Actual Courtroom Experience,” To Serve As Attorney General. “Hillsborough County Republican Ross Spano announced plans Thursday to run for attorney general, becoming the third member of the House and the fourth Republican seeking to replace term-limited Attorney General Pam Bondi next year. Spano, the chairman of the House Criminal Justice Subcommittee is joining a Republican field with Rep. Jay Fant of Jacksonville, Rep. Frank White of Pensacola and Ashley Moody, a former Hillsborough County circuit judge. ‘If I felt like the right person was in the race to be the attorney general of the state of Florida, you can trust me, I wouldn't be running,’ Spano said. ‘I'm the only person among the three that are in the race right now that has these following things: the legislative experience; the conservative values; and the actual courtroom experience. I've been practicing law for 19 years. I've been in the courtroom for that time.’ Spano, who was first elected to the House in 2012 and has been ruminating with his wife on the statewide contest for about eight months, also described a long-held belief in defending victims of inequality or injustice.” [Florida Politics, 11/16/17]

November 2017: Spano Announced He Would Run For Florida Attorney General. “Republican state Rep. Ross Spano is running for Florida Attorney General. Spano made the announcement Thursday. The 51-year-old Tampa-area lawyer has served in the Legislature since 2012. He told The Associated Press that an influential moment in his life was defending a small child from a bully and getting his ‘tail kicked’ on a school playground. He said since then he's believed in the importance of fighting injustices. He said the legislation he's most proud of is a bill he passed that helps victims of human trafficking expunge criminal records so they don't have barriers to college and jobs.” [AP News, 11/16/17]

2016: Spano Won Re-Election To Represent District 59 In The Florida House Of Representatives, Defeating Rena Frazier

October 2016: The Tampa Bay Times Recommended Rena Frazier For District 59, Saying That Spano Is “More Known For What He Opposes” Than What He Stood For. “Rep. Ross Spano, 50, is a lawyer who was elected to the House in 2012. The Republican has not made a mark in Tallahassee, sticking to safe issues such as opposing human trafficking. Spano is more known for what he opposes, from expanding Medicaid to a fairer tax system. His jobs agenda is small-bore.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/2/18]

According To The Miami Herald, Spano Deposited A Check During Special Session, Breaking House Rules

November 2015: According To The Miami Herald, Spano Deposited A Check During Special Session, Breaking House Rules. “When the Legislature is in session, members of the House and Senate are prohibited from raising money for their campaigns. Yet seven members of the Florida House reported campaign contributions totaling $30,600 during the last two weeks of October — when lawmakers convened a special session to redraw Senate district lines. […] Rep. Ross Spano, R-Dover, reported a $500 check from the Florida Leadership Committee, a political committee controlled by Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater. Records maintained by Latvala's political committee show that the $500 check to Spano was written on Oct. 9, almost three weeks before Spano reported the contribution on Oct. 27. Messages left at Spano's office were not returned. Latvala said he cut the check well in advance of special session and gave it to his son, Rep. Chris Latvala, R-Clearwater, to pass along to Spano. ‘If he deposited it during special session, that's on him,’ Latvala said.” [Miami Herald, 11/13/15]

HEADLINE: Seven Lawmakers Report Political Donations Not Allowed During Special Session [Miami Herald, 11/13/15] Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 30

2014: Spano Won Re-Election To Represent District 59 In The Florida House Of Representatives, Defeating Donna Lee Fore

October 2014: According To The Tampa Tribune, Spano Was Endorsed By Senator Marco Rubio. Spano has been endorsed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. [Tampa Tribune, 10/12/14]

October 2014: According To The Tampa Tribune, Spano Was Endorsed By Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Spano has been endorsed by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. [Tampa Tribune, 10/12/14]

2012: Spano Won Race To Replace Rep. Rachel Burgin In Florida’s State Legislature, Defeating Gail Gottlieb

November 2012: Spano Won The Race For Florida’s 59th District State House Seat With “A Little More Than 1,000 Votes”. “Republican Ross Spano narrowly won the race Tuesday night for the District 59 state House seat against Democrat Gail Gottlieb. ‘He's really happy he won,’ said Brock Mikosky, who worked on Spano's campaign. Spano did not return messages left for him. With a little more than 1,000 votes separating the two, it was a tight race in an area that traditionally votes Republican.District 59 covers Brandon, Riverview and Valrico. The seat was previously held by Rep. Rachel Burgin, who ran unsuccessfully in a state Senate primary race earlier this year.” [Tampa Bay Times, 11/7/12]

According To The Tampa Tribune, District 59 Had Slightly More Registered Democrats Than Republicans. “Spano then defeated Democrat Gail Gottlieb to represent District 59, a slightly Democratic district by registration -- 37,622 Democrats and 34,741 Republicans, with 25,172 voters registering with no party.” [Tampa Tribune, 3/6/13]

According To The Tampa Tribune, Spiro Spent $242,158 On His Campaign For State Legislature, $51,000 He Personally Loaned To The Campaign. “Campaign records indicate he spent $242,158 on his campaign, including $51,000 he loaned to the campaign.” [Tampa Tribune, 3/6/13]

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Spano Received 33,151 Votes, Beating Democratic Opponent Gail Gottlieb By 1,188 Votes. [Tampa Bay Times, 11/7/12]

November 2012: HEADLINE: “Republican Party Distributes Nasty Flier About Gail Goettlieb”. “Heading into the final stretch of the election, the Republican Party of Florida took another swing at Democratic candidate Gail Goettlieb. The party sent out a mailer accusing Goettlieb, who is running against Ross Spano for the State House District 59 seat, of being ‘too liberal’ and of ‘trying to bring her brand of radical chaos to Eastern Hillsborough County.’ The flier also says Goettlieb is ‘not one of us.’ Goettlieb grew up in Brandon, just like Spano. The mailer includes a photo of Gottlieb, as well as a photo of an Occupy Wall Street protest and what looks like a terrorist throwing a flaming explosive. ‘It offends me that Ross Spano, my opponent, is portraying me as a terrorist for standing up for the middle class and small businesses and wanting to end corruption in Tallahassee,’ Gottlieb said in a statement. ‘People can have honest differences of opinion about how best to serve Floridians, but this is the kind of inflammatory campaigning that has turned so many people off of politics.’ Spano could not be reached for comment Monday evening.” [Tampa Bay Times, 11/5/12]

October 2012: Spano Was Endorsed For The State Legislature By United Christians Of Florida. “Michael Gibbons, associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of South Florida, said faith plays a definite role in the outcome of national and state elections. ‘Don't underestimate the influence of religion on this part of the state,’ Gibbons said. ‘There is a group called United Christians of Florida and they have put out election guides. When it comes to the state elections, if a candidate can get a dozen mega churches on their side, they can be set.’ Though United Christians of Florida is a political action committee, not a church, a note at the Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 31

bottom of the group's ‘2012 Hillsborough County Sample Ballot Recommendations’ page states, ‘please copy and distribute by print, email and Facebook for churches, clubs and polling locations.’ Among the group's recommendations are Republicans Mitt Romney for president and Connie Mack for U.S. senator. The group also suggests locally known conservative Christian activist Terry Kemple for School Board District 7 and lawyer Ross Spano for state House District 59.” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/29/12]

According To The Tampa Bay Times, Both Candidates Endorsed By The United Christians Of Florida Were Members Of Bell Shoals Baptist Church. "Both [Kemple and Spano] are members at Bell Soals. ‘As long as they (churches) don't endorse a specific candidate, then there can be somebody there outside the church with what happens to be a list of people who might be good to consider voting for,’ Gibbons said. ‘I think all religions seek to influence American politics.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 10/29/12]

According To The Tampa Bay Times, Spano Had A Large Evangelical Following. “Ross Spano caters to a large evangelical following and plays up his status as a business owner who created 14 jobs in the district.” [Tampa Bay Times, 8/4/12]

August 2012: Spano Was Endorsed By The Fraternal Order Of Police. “Spano has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and State Senator Alan Hayes.” [Tampa Tribune, 8/1/12]

Personal Financial Disclosures

Federal Financial Disclosure

Spano Failed To File A Federal Financial Disclosure Report. As of September 2018, Spano had not filed a federal financial disclosure report. He originally received an extension from 5/18/18 to 7/17/18, but no further extension was filed. [Office of the Clerk, Financial Disclosure Reports Database, accessed 9/13/18]

State Financial Disclosures

2012 – 2017: Spano’s Net Worth Decreased By $434,668.56. [Florida Commission on Ethics, Financial Disclosure, accessed 9/11/18]

Spano State Personal Financial Disclosures Year Net Worth Total Asset Total Liability Total Income 2017 $ 321,944.62 $ 428,335.88 $ 106,391.26 $ 130,463.86 2016 $ 279,044.75 $ 378,496.50 $99,451.75 $ 49,322.12 2015 $ 205,469.11 $ 282,669.11 $103,200.00 $ 87,410.69 2014 $772,030.50 $ 894,030.20 $95,500.00 $ 121,047.00 2013 $654,664.01 $ 762,225.47 $ 107,561.46 $ 173,689.62 2012 $756,613.18 $ 868,320.41 $ 111,707.23 $ 212,709.39 [Florida Commission on Ethics, Financial Disclosure, accessed 9/11/18]

Federal Campaign Finance

Toplines

As of August 2018, Spano’s campaign for Florida’s 15th Congressional district raised $157,068 and spent $48,793.

Spano Federal Campaign Finance History Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 32

Year Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Raised Spent 2018 Ross Spano For Congress $157,068.18 $48,793.87 Total: $157,068.18 $48,793.87 [FEC.gov, accessed 8/7/18]

Spano Self-Financed More Than A Third Of His Total Receipts

Spano Loaned His Campaign $77,000, Or 34.85 Percent, Of Everything He Had Raised. As of September 2018, Spano loaned his campaign $77,000, which is 34.85 percent of his total receipts. [FEC.gov, accessed 9/13/18]

July 2018: Spano Repaid $5,000 Of The Loan. [FEC.gov, 7/13/18]

Spano Paid Himself Almost $5,000

Spano Paid Himself $4,619.04 From His Campaign Account. [FEC.gov, accessed 9/13/18]

State Campaign Finance

Toplines

According to the Florida Department Of State Division of Elections, Spano raised $1,101,057.03 in his campaigns for political office in Florida.

Spano State Campaign Finance History Year Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Raised Spent 2018 Spano For Attorney General $136,525.00 $135,625.00 2016 Spano For State Legislature $423,057.73 $372,484.53 2014 Spano For State Legislature $276,387.03 $233,620.00 2012 Spano For State Legislature $265,087.27 $242,158.00 Total: $1,101,057.03 $983,887.53 [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Raised A Quarter Of His Contributions From Political Committees

2012 - 2018: Spano Raised A Quarter Of His Contributions From Political Committees. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano State Fundraising From PACs And CCEs Cycle Total Raised Total Raised from PACs & Political Percentage from PACs & Political Committees Committees 2018 $136,525.00 $11,000.00 8.06% 2016 $423,057.73 $132,900.53 31.41% 2014 $276,387.03 $84,450.00 30.55% 2012 $265,087.27 $45,250.00 17.07% Total $1,101,057.03 $273,600.53 24.85% [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Raised $79,975 From Pharmaceutical, Insurance, And Health Care Companies And Their Employees

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 33

2012 – 2018: Spano Raised $79,975 From Pharmaceutical, Insurance, And Health Care Companies And Their Employees. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

NOTE: A detailed spreadsheet of these contributions is saved on the DCCC Research Drive.

Spano Raised $10,450 From Energy Companies

2012 – 2017: Spano Raised $10,450 From Energy Companies. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Energy Company Contributions Date Amount Contributor Name Occupation 8/30/17 $1,000 TECO ENERGY INC UTILITY COMPANY 11/30/15 $500 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY UTILITIES EQUPIMENT 10/21/16 $500 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY UTILITIES EQUPIMENT 2/23/15 $500 TECO ENERGY INC UTILITY COMPANY 10/18/15 $500 TECO ENERGY INC UTILITY COMPANY 11/3/16 $500 COVANTA ENERGY, LLC ENERGY SERVICES 11/13/13 $250 CUSTOM DRILLING SERVICES INC DRILLING COMPANY 11/13/13 $200 HUSS DRILLING INC DRILLING COMPANY 11/13/13 $250 TRANSAMEROCAN DRILLING AND TESTING DRILLING COMPANY 8/13/13 $500 SUNSHINE GASOLINE DISTRIBUTORS INC GAS DISTRIBUTOR 11/13/13 $250 RADIANT OIL COMPANY OF TAMPA INC OIL COMPANY 11/13/13 $250 SUPERTEST OIL COMPANY OIL COMPANY 11/13/13 $250 AUTOMATED PETROLEUM & ENERGY CO INC PETROLEUM SERVICES 9/18/14 $500 GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY UTILITIES EQUPIMENT 8/13/13 $500 TECO ENERGY INC UTILITY CO 9/26/14 $1,000 TECO ENERGY INC UTILITY CO 7/18/14 $500 TECO ENERGY INC UTILITY CO 6/6/12 $500 AGLIANO UTILITY SOLUCTIONS LLC ENERGY CO 10/18/12 $500 RBC RESOURCES, LLC ENERGY CO 6/6/12 $500 RBC RESOURCES, LLC ENERGY CO 10/22/12 $500 TECO ENERGY ENERGY CO 7/19/12 $500 TECO ENERGY ENERGY CO Total $10,450 [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Took $3,000 From The GEO Group, A Massive For-Profit Prison Company That Has Been Subject To Dozens Of Federal Lawsuits Alleging Mistreatment Of Its Detainees

2016 – 2018: Spano Raised $3,000 From The GEO Group. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

The GEO Group Is A Massive For-Profit Prison Company. “The GEO Group, a massive for-profit private prison and immigration detention company, has been at the center of much of the debate about the Trump administration’s treatment of immigrant families.” [Think Progress, 8/23/18]

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 34

The GEO Group Has Been Subject To Dozens Of Federal Lawsuits Alleging Mistreatment Of Its Detainees. “The company has been a defendant in dozens of federal lawsuits brought in the past year and a half (many of which are on-going), alleging it mistreats its detainees, violates their constitutional rights, fails to ensure their safety, and forces involuntary servitude.” [Think Progress, 8/23/18]

The GEO Group Operates One Of The Three Family Centers For Detention Used By ICE. “Boca Raton- based Geo Group is in a strong position to capture millions of dollars in business from the Trump administration’s order last week not to separate undocumented families who cross the U.S. border. On Friday, a ‘request for information’ on 15,000 beds in different locations was issued by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Geo operates one of the three family centers for detention: the Karnes Family Residential Center in Karnes City, Texas.” [Sun-Sentinel, 6/19/18]

Spano’s Campaign Has Paid And Reimbursed Him More Than $8,000

2012 – 2018: Spano’s Campaign Paid And Reimbursed Him $8,689.87. According to Florida campaign finance filings, Spano’s campaign has paid and reimbursed him $8,689.87 for various purposes, including: food, hotel, travel, lodging, and mileage. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano’s Campaign Has Paid And Reimbursed His Law Firm More Than $9,000

2014 – 2016: Spano’s Campaign Paid And Reimbursed His Law Firm $9,022.73. According to Florida campaign finance filings, Spano’s campaign paid and reimbursed his law firm $9,022.73 for various purposes, including: mileage, campaign supplies, and office rent. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano’s Campaign Has Paid And Reimbursed Members Of His Family Almost $7,000

2012 – 2016: Spano’s Campaign Paid Members Of His Family $6,821.27. According to Florida campaign finance filings, Spano’s campaign paid and reimbursed members of his family $6,821.27. [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Spano Campaign Disbursements To Spano Family Name Total Vincent R. Spano Jr. $333.00 Amie Spano $536.27 Caleb Spano $1,393.00 Isaiah Spano $257.00 Johnny Spano $4,050.00 Kali Spano $252.00 Total $6,821.27 [Florida Department of State, Campaign Finance Database, accessed 9/13/18]

Election Results

2018 Florida 15th Congressional District Republican Primary Results Candidate Vote Total Vote Percentage Ross Spano 26,868 44.1% Neil Combee 20,577 33.8% Sean Harper 6,013 9.9% Danny Kushmer 4,061 6.7% Ed Shoemaker 3,376 5.5% Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 35

[Orlando Sentinel, updated 8/30/18]

2016 Florida District 59 Election Results Candidate Vote Total Vote Percentage Ross Spano 41,409 54.3% Rena Frazier 34,859 45.7% [Florida Department Of State, Elections Results Archive, accessed 7/27/18]

2014 Florida District 59 Election Results Candidate Vote Total Vote Percentage Ross Spano 27,305 58.2% Donna Lee Fore 19,573 41.8% [Florida Department Of State, Elections Results Archive, accessed 7/27/18]

2012 Florida District 59 Election Results Candidate Vote Total Vote Percentage Ross Spano 34,136 50.8% Gail Gottlieb 33,085 49.2% [Florida Department Of State, Elections Results Archive, accessed 7/27/18]

2012 Florida District 59 Republican Primary Election Results Candidate Vote Total Vote Percentage Michael Floyd 442 5.2% Ross Spano 3,397 39.8% Betty Jo Tompkins 1,478 17.3% Joe Wicker 3,222 37.7% [Florida Department Of State, Elections Results Archive, accessed 7/27/18]

Personal Records

Personal Political Donations

According to the Florida Department Of State Division of Elections, Spano loaned $51,000 to his campaign in 2012. There was no other record of Spano donating to state-level candidates.

Spano Political Giving History - State Date Candidate (Office Sought) or Committee Party Amount 11/01/12 Spano For State Legislature R $10,000 8/9/12 Spano For State Legislature R $10,000 8/6/12 Spano For State Legislature R $11,000 7/6//12 Spano For State Legislature R $10,000 7/6/12 Spano For State Legislature R $8,000 6/6/12 Spano For State Legislature R $2,000 Total $51,000 [Florida Department Of State, Division Of Elections, accessed 7/27/18]

According to an FEC individual contribution search, Spano has given $250 to federal political candidates.

Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 36

Spano Political Giving History - Federal Date Candidate/Committee Party Amount 5/13/13 Friends Of Rich Nugent R $250 Total $250 [FEC, individual contribution, accessed 7/27/18]

Voter Activity

2016: Spano Was Registered To Vote

Spano Was Registered To Vote In Florida’s 15th Congressional District. [Nexis Comprehensive Persons Report accessed 7/26/18]

1996-2017: Spano Voted In Every On-Year Election Since 2004

Spano Voting History (1996-2017) Year Description 2017 Did not vote 2016 Voted in the general and primary elections 2015 Did not vote 2014 Voted in the general and primary elections 2013 Did not vote 2012 Voted in the general and primary elections 2011 Did not vote 2010 Voted in the general and primary elections 2009 Did not vote 2008 Voted in the general election 2007 Did not vote 2006 Voted in the general election 2005 Did not vote 2004 Voted in the general election 2003 Did not vote 2002 Did not vote 2001 Did not vote 2000 Did not vote 1999 Not available on VoteBuilder 1998 Did not vote 1997 Not available on VoteBuilder 1996 Voted in the general election [VoteBuilder, accessed 8/8/18]

Associated Entities

As of July 2018, Spano is potentially associated with the following entities:

Spano Associated Entities Entity Name Persons Associated Years District 59 Rep Ross Spano Spano, Vincent Ross 3/22/13 - Present Ross Spano (FL-15) Backgrounder | 37

[Nexis Comprehensive Person Report, accessed 7/26/18]

NOTE: Further research necessary into Spano’s associated entities.

Criminal And Traffic Violation Record

As of July 2018, Spano is associated with the the following criminal or traffic violations:

Spano’s Criminal And Traffic Violation Record Filing Date Description Disposition Date Disposition Court 12/31/08 EXCEED SPEED LIMIT 2/11/09 GUILTY PLEA TRAFFIC POSTED ON CITY STREET [Nexis Criminal Records search, accessed, 7/26/18]

NOTE: Further research necessary into Spano’s criminal record.

Bankruptcy, Judgments, & Liens

As of July 2018, Spano was associated with the following judgement and lien filings:

Spano’s Judgement And Lien Filings Filing Date Amount Creditor Release Date Eviction Court 7/20/11 $8,300 Legalmatch, 7/20/11 No San Francisco Dot Municipal Court 6/16/11 $9,466 Citibank 10/20/11 No Hillsborough County Circuit Court [Nexis Criminal Records search, accessed, 7/26/18]

NOTE: Further research necessary into whether Spano or his associated entities had additional bankruptcies, judgments or liens.