State Rep. Yvonne Hinson finds success where she can in GOP-dominated Florida Legislature

Working with her colleagues on the other side of the aisle in the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature has been both challenging and rewarding for Democrat Yvonne Hinson.

Most rewarding has been her efforts with local legislators who have teamed with her to bring millions of dollars to the area to help with projects including the creation of a community center in Micanopy, the Gainesville Fire Department Community Resource Paramedic program, the creation of a community center in Hawthorne that can be used as a shelter during severe weather events, and securing a significant expansion of broadband service to rural areas in her district, District 21, which includes parts of Alachua and Marion counties.

Hinson's seat shifted to District 21 after lawmakers redrew district lines following the 10-year census of 2020.

Don't mind working with Republicans

“I’ve worked with (Republican) Senator Keith Perry on some appropriations that were successful, including securing $500,000 for the Willie Mae Stokes Community Center in Micanopy, and $500,000 for the Gainesville Police Department to start properly evaluating people who may have mental health issues, before they are arrested and taken to jail,” Hinson said.

The center provides programs that serve young people and the entire Micanopy community, said Bishop Christopher Stokes, executive director of the center and pastor of New Beginning Christian Worship Center in Micanopy. He is the son of the center’s namesake.

“Yvonne Hinson has played a significant role in funding opportunities and overall support of the Willie Mae Stakes Community Center,” Stokes said. “That includes funding for a diversion program for youth in our community sponsored by the state juvenile justice system that was secured by Representative Hinson and Senator Keith Perry.”

Hinson and Perry have hosted youth from Micanopy during trips to the state Capitol, and Hinson has visited the center to give words of encouragement to the youth there, Stokes said.

“I will always be there for her for whatever she needs because she has fought hard for us,” Stokes said.

Republicans' tone seems to be changing

Republicans in the state seem poised to not flex their muscles as much as they have in the recent past because of the declining poll numbers being reported for Gov. Ron DeSantis in his bid to become the Republican nominee in next year’s presidential election, Hinson said.

“I see they are trying to rebuild relationships,” Hinson said. “Many of them seek me out because I am the only Democrat around and they see how I resonate with the people I speak to no matter where I am speaking. They see how people respond to what I have to say.”

Her relationship with GOP legislators has evolved so much that they do not send her on “wild goose chases” any longer, Hinson said.

She added that Republican legislators’ strength is rooted by their dedication and commitment to falling in line with the party’s stance on issues, no matter the issue.

Hinson uses U.S. Constitution as a guide

One of those issues is voting rights. Hinson said she uses the U.S. Constitution to guide her votes when making decisions about voting rights and other legislation.

“I’m learning that what I do and say as it relates to the constitution will end up in court,” Hinson said.

Her increased understanding of how laws affect legislation led her to challenge HB 999, titled Postsecondary Education Institutions, which as originally proposed intended to bar public colleges and universities in the state from funding programs or campus activities that promote diversity, equity or inclusion (DEI) or “Critical Race Theory rhetoric.”

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Black fraternities, sororities and other student-led multicultural organizations are typically funded through initiation or membership fees, but sometimes they may receive additional funding for certain programs or activities through partnerships with state colleges or universities, Hinson said.

State Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, introduced the bill on Feb. 21, and Hinson on March 31 asked Andrade during a committee meeting how HB 999 would impact Black sororities and fraternities and their ability to host social justice and voter registration events on college campuses.

“As a result of my questioning during debating the issue, the bill changed drastically before it went to the floor,” Hinson said.

Can't be weak while working for constituents

She said some people are “so weak” that they are willing to violate their oaths as legislators to please the governor, who enacted a Florida redistricting plan that eliminated a North Florida seat held by a Black Democrat, U.S. Rep. Al Lawson. State appeal court judges fired questions on Oct. 31 hinting they were ready to back the plan.

A trial judge in September ruled that the map violated the state constitution’s prohibition against diminishing the ability of Black voters to elect a candidate of their choice. But the state’s appeal of that ruling looked poised for approval from the 1st District Court of Appeal, based on a line of questioning fired at lawyers during recent arguments.

The appeal court judges have all been appointed by Republican governors.

Most bills receive unanimous votes from legislators

Other than the most controversial bills that come up for vote, Hinson said 75 percent to 80 percent of all votes in the Florida Legislature are unanimous.

“What we disagree on is what ends up in the newspapers,” Hinson said.

Dealing with homeowner and automobile insurance will be top issues during the 2024 legislative session, Hinson said.

“The Republican Party has given bailouts to insurance companies, and they have done just that: bailed out,” Hinson said. “They (insurance companies) are taking the money and leaving the state and filing for bankruptcy.”

It will be up to voters to show up at the polls and let elected officials know they are not satisfied with the direction the state is headed in, Hinson said.

“They (legislators) need to know what they are doing to their own people,” Hinson said.

Committed to constituents

Taking care of the people is what means the most to her, Hinson said.

“I make sure my staff understands that taking care of our constituents is our top priority,” Hinson said. “The best part of my office is that I get to lobby and advocate for the people.”

Learning how to get things done is one of her biggest strengths, said Hinson, a retired educator who spent more than 40 years in education.

“One of the most important things that I have learned is that I can go to state agencies and get things fixed for my constituents,” Hinson said. “Sometimes it is better to use state agencies to serve my constituents.”

Helping her constituents gain access to funds to help with affordable housing and homeownership is another priority of hers, Hinson said, adding that she follows the money allocated for homeownership and affordable housing programs to make sure it is used correctly.

Gun violence is another top issue

Gun violence is another issue Hinson said she is passionate about because of the effect it has on families and the community. She said a way to reduce gun violence is for people to safely store their guns so they do not get in the hands of people who will use them irresponsibly. She said a lot of guns, especially those used in gun violence incidents involving teens, are stolen from unlocked cars.

She has filed a bill that requires guns be stored safely and responsibly in homes and cars, Hinson said.

“I don’t believe young people understand the deadliness of guns,” Hinson said. “A bullet once fired can’t come back. It breaks my heart to see so many young people dying from gun violence. I see the funerals of young people and I just cry out. It breaks my soul.”

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Taking care of people in her district is Yvonne Hinson's top priority