The Issues

We need to be proactive in our policy to combat runaway living costs. Aaron believes in market solutions that can help to regulate future growth in prices to keep the American dream within reach for future generations in Florida. Non-profit housing has shown to be a viable market solution that can set an ongoing standard for rent increases in the market while also allowing for homeownership for low income individuals creating more wealth on our economy. This housing can be incentivized with government issued bonds for the funding of construction or providing a regulatory structure that prompts the private sector to invest into creating this market of low income housing. Aaron is also in favor of running trial housing first initiatives in parts of the state where homelessness is surging. 

Florida has the highest rate of inflation in the entire country. Even as inflation nationally has come down for the last 18 months Floridians are still experiencing increased costs across the board for necessities. This is due to a lack of policy regulating price gouging and non-competitive market practices that artificially raises prices. We have to be vigilant in ensuring capitalistic competition and fair market practices are at the core of the Florida economy.

Supporting public sector labor unions is essential to ensuring that our public servants—teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other government workers—can negotiate for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions. These unions play a critical role in protecting the rights of workers who dedicate their lives to serving our communities. Without the strength of labor unions, individual workers would have less bargaining power and could face unfair treatment, lower wages, and unsafe working conditions. Efforts to weaken or dismantle these unions are not just an attack on the workers themselves but on the quality of public services we all rely on. When unions are strong, they can ensure that government workers are fairly compensated and supported, which in turn leads to better services for the public. Aaron Hawkins strongly supports the right of public sector labor unions to negotiate on behalf of their members. He understands that fair wages and good working conditions are not just about the workers—they’re about the well-being of our entire community. As your next State Senator, Aaron will stand with labor unions and fight to protect the rights of our public servants.

Stuart along with 300 other municipalities received a $10.3 billion dollar settlement from global chemical manufacturer 3M who was responsible for the contaminating our water systems with "forever chemicals". These "forever chemicals" are better known as PFAs. They do not breakdown in the natural environment and have been linked to several health problems and cancers. These chemicals are pervasive throughout our economy and while they are harmless in particular products that are designed to last they are a hazard to the health of Floridians in others. Many states have taken steps to ban products that leak and spread PFAs into the environment and into our citizens. It's time Florida joined them to protect the health of our people. 

Aaron supports initiatives that increase the availability of healthy foods by decreasing the time between farm and table. Policies that incentivize community supported agriculture programs not only decrease the need for preservatives but also helps to bolster the local economy and reduces the effects of economic shocks from outside the community on food prices. Community centered food systems are not only healthier for the consumers but also the environment. In more dense areas these initiatives can also help to expand the urban farming industry and promote new forms of occupation. Aaron is a strong supporter of locally sourcing foods for government needs such as school lunch. 

There are gaps in our supply of medical services in Florida. Many advanced nurse practitioners and other health professionals would like to expand the services they offer to fill these gaps but are stifled by unnecessary regulation at the state level. The state government needs to know when to regulate and when to get out of the way and allow professionals to do their jobs. 

Granting legal rights to Lake Okeechobee, the connected rivers, streams, and estuaries and conservation areas such as the everglades involves recognizing them as legal entities with rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate, akin to individuals or corporations. This approach, known as "rights of nature," empowers these natural entities to access justice, prevent harm, and be represented in legal proceedings, thereby enhancing their protection against activities like pollution and habitat destruction. By shifting the perspective on nature from mere property to entities deserving of legal consideration, this framework promotes long-term environmental protection, sustainable development practices, and ultimately it fosters a holistic approach to conservation, prioritizing the well-being of ecosystems and their intrinsic value for present and future generations. Our environment is an integral part of the cultural fabric of this state and we should do everything we can to protect it. 

The State of Florida should be more active in providing support to our historic community here on the Treasure Coast for transitioning old septic systems to sewer. This transition limits the amount of fecal material that escapes into our water ways which largely contributes to the toxic algae blooms. Laws regulating septic tanks should be reviewed and revised to ensure the longevity of new septic systems. Regulations surrounding liveaboard vessels need to be tightened and enforced to further decrease the amount of fecal material that is introduced into our waterways. Along with this we need increased investments into stormwater infrastructure to decrease the amount of polluted water that washes into our rivers by building more surface level retention areas. Increased investment into deep well technology and nano-biotech to treat our rivers needs to be prioritized to completely solve our clean water issue here on the Treasure Coast. 

Florida needs a comprehensive statewide plan for smart growth that incorporates the growing need for affordable housing and commercial development with the full realization of the Florida Wildlife Corridor and the growth development plans of local county and city governments. It would need to include investments into tax payer owned public transit at the local and state level and policy that fosters communities with greater density to allow for the proximity of amenities. 

As a small business owner himself and with family members who operate several small businesses on the Treasure Coast, Aaron understands the significance of local small businesses in their communities. Small businesses are the backbone of our country providing the majority of private sector employment and services. Small businesses in Florida are beginning to feel the squeeze of the affordability crisis as well. Insurance on commercial real estate has experienced significant increases over the last 3 years. Small businesses in our state regularly struggle to recruit and retain adequately skilled employees. Aaron supports the expansion of local community and small state colleges to offer a greater variety of education favoring all the potential needs of small businesses and local communities. Any legislation addressing the affordability crisis and insurance needs to have a section designed to alleviate the insurance costs of local small businesses as well. Aaron also supports decreasing regulation of some fields typically occupied by small business owners. 

Tax payer owned statewide public transport is essential to building a prosperous future for Florida. Establishing taxpayer-owned statewide public transport in Florida is crucial for fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, socio-economic equity, and urban development. By enhancing accessibility and mobility, public transit connects communities, stimulates economic opportunities, and reduces traffic congestion and air pollution. Moreover, it promotes social inclusivity by providing affordable and accessible transportation options for all residents, regardless of income or ability. Public transport also encourages urban revitalization and smart growth, creating vibrant, resilient communities. Overall, investing in public transit infrastructure is essential for creating a prosperous, sustainable future for Florida, benefiting residents, businesses, and the environment alike.

Expanding promising new industries in Florida, particularly in the burgeoning tech corridor, is essential for driving economic growth and ensuring the state's competitiveness in the future. The development of a robust tech ecosystem in Florida offers tremendous opportunities for innovation, job creation, and economic diversification. By attracting and nurturing high-tech industries such as biotechnology, cybersecurity, aerospace, and renewable energy, Florida can position itself as a leader in cutting-edge technologies and emerging markets. Focusing on these industries not only stimulates local economies but also strengthens the state's resilience to economic fluctuations and promotes long-term prosperity. Moreover, investing in new industries fosters talent retention, attracts skilled workers, and cultivates a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, positioning Florida as a hub for creativity and progress in the global economy. Our geography uniquely positions Florida as a place that could be a world leader in emerging technologies to counter the affects of climate change. Our legislature's turn away from this issue shows once again that they are more concerned with playing politics and serving narratives rather than planning for our state's future. We can have a conversation about whether climate change is man made but what we know for certain is that is occurring. 

Voters should not have to reapply for an absentee ballot every election. This is an unnecessary tedious requirement placed on our citizens who travel often, who may be impaired, or those that are serving our military overseas. If we are concerned with the validity of mail in ballots then all we need to do is simply treat each one similar to a provisional ballot and have each one verified with the registered voter rolls. Floridians should be worried if the first thought of their elected officials was to make voting harder instead of improving our verification process. Aaron also supports turning Florida into an open primary system. More and more citizens are disillusioned with the 2 party system and are looking for candidates across the entire political spectrum. Floridians deserve to have more options, especially considering we are one of the largest and most populous states in the country. This would allow independents, democrats, republicans, and any other political affiliation to vote in all of the primaries. Aaron believes in expanding the voting rights of Floridians as much as possible. He supports legislation to make establishing political parties easier and making ballot initiatives easier to achieve so that Floridians can have a more direct say in their democracy. 

Aaron supports taking money out of politics. If elected he would put forward legislation that calls for the creation of a committee dedicated to researching and designing policy for state funded campaigns for executive and legislative positions at the minimum. He also is a proponent for banning any kind of partisan interference in local elections. Local elections need to be kept non-partisan as Floridians have intended since 1998. 

Establishing an independent redistricting commission for the state of Florida is crucial for ensuring fair and transparent electoral boundaries. Recent lawsuits regarding gerrymandering have highlighted the detrimental impact of partisan manipulation on the democratic process, wasting taxpayer dollars and time in legal battles. Gerrymandering, a bipartisan issue, undermines the principle of representative democracy by allowing politicians to manipulate district boundaries to their advantage, regardless of party affiliation. By entrusting the redistricting process to an independent commission, free from political influence, Florida can promote fairness, accountability, and trust in its electoral system, safeguarding the rights of all voters and fostering a more inclusive and representative government. Upon his election Aaron will put forward legislation to establish an independent redistricting commission. Even if it fails, Floridians will now know exactly who are the people in our state government who believe they have the right to dictate the laws to you instead of serving as a public servant. 

Aaron is not opposed to a voucher program but is opposed to the current voucher program expansion by the state government. The current voucher program as it is designed currently siphons money away from public schools and further degrades our already troubled public education system. Aside from that, the program was rushed through without an assessment on its impact to the state budget. A large majority of private schools in Florida are not accredited and more than half are religious institutions which brings into question the constitutionality of these institutions receiving government funds. Similar voucher programs in other states have shown to mostly assist parents who's students already attend private education. This program effectively subsidizes the education of students whose parents can already afford private school over that of lower income students who often require more dollars per pupil to educate. The cost of private education is substantially more than the voucher provides which makes this program unsuitable for a large portion of Florida families. Aaron supports a voucher program but can not support this one. We need a state law that requires private schools to be non-profit entities and accredited to ensure that the focus of education remains on academic rigor and the success of the students. 

Our priorities in education have become skewed towards STEM fields and lacks variety in educational paths for students to take. We need an education system that can produce students ready for college but can also produce students prepared for the workforce and allow for a greater diversity of interests that can be explored at the high school level. Aaron supports changes in the state curriculum and programs that provide pathways for students wanting to work trades or other technical jobs that require more training rather than an academic background in a particular subject. He also supports increasing the variety of physical education options offered by public schools and classes focused on personal life skills. 

The state government's attempt to regulate what they have defined as "ideology" on university campuses in their crusade against "woke" politics is nothing but a distraction and another overstep by our current representatives who think they have the right to force their opinions and desires onto other people. The same way they have attacked local communities over development and education they have attacked these institutions over what can best be described as a type of ideological hysteria. We need a representative that is not going to bend to party politics and will allow professionals to do the jobs they are trained for. They need to allow local representatives and administrators to do the job that the public has entrusted them with. Our current legislature is drowning in dictatorial sentiment and government overreach. 

Preserving the Florida pension system for government workers, especially our first responders, is crucial. These dedicated individuals—firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel—risk their lives daily to protect and serve our communities. The push to move from guaranteed pensions to 401(k) plans threatens to undermine the financial security they were promised in exchange for their service. 401(k) plans shift the burden of investment risk onto employees, creating uncertainty for workers who have devoted their lives to safeguarding our communities. Pensions, on the other hand, provide the guaranteed benefits these workers deserve, ensuring they can retire with dignity after years of service. Aaron Hawkins stands firmly in support of preserving the pension system for Florida’s government employees. He understands the value of honoring commitments to those who have honored theirs to us. As your next State Senator, Aaron will fight to protect and enhance the pensions that our first responders and government workers have earned.

Providing comprehensive support services for first responders, including free healthcare covering mental health and other medical needs, is essential for ensuring their well-being and effectiveness on the job. First responders, especially law enforcement officers and EMTs, face high levels of stress, trauma, and exposure to potentially traumatic events in the line of duty, which can take a toll on their mental and physical health. Offering free healthcare, including mental health services, dental care, and vision care, not only addresses their immediate health needs but also demonstrates a commitment to their overall welfare. Extending these benefits to the families of officers acknowledges the sacrifices they make and strengthens the support network available to officers. Regular mental health check-ups should be incentivized to proactively identify and address any mental health concerns before they escalate. By prioritizing the health and well-being of first responders and their families, agencies can improve morale, reduce burnout, and enhance the effectiveness of their personnel, ultimately contributing to safer and healthier communities.

It is crucial to incorporate more varied types of training, including specialized techniques for de-escalation and crisis intervention, particularly in addressing mental health episodes. With a growing mental health crisis in many communities, law enforcement officers frequently encounter situations involving individuals in mental distress. Providing specialized training equips officers with the skills to effectively de-escalate tense encounters, recognize signs of mental illness, and connect individuals with appropriate support services. By integrating these additional training components and potentially establishing specialized units or officers trained in mental health response, law enforcement agencies can better serve and support individuals in crisis while minimizing the risk of harm to both officers and the community.

At 10 years old, Aaron saw first hand the possible complications of pregnancy and understood that for him his sister's health and well being was more important than the baby developing inside her. That experience has shaped his understanding of this issue. Women risk their lives to bring life into this world. They should be able to decide if they want to take that risk.

Abortion is a hard issue to discuss. Aaron supports abortion rights for women based on the framework created by Roe V. Wade in which the primary focus was privacy rights and the rights of the mother to make decisions about their body up to the point of viability. Aaron supports the policy framework laid out by Roe V. Wade ensuring the all who need and want an abortion can have access to it. 

Anyone who has been tracking the fate of abortion policy in the wake of the overturning of Roe V Wade has certainly seen that extremists intend on going after more than just abortion. With a legislature like ours we shouldn't be surprised if they come for IVF next in Florida. We need people in the legislature that will fight back against this and fight not only for women's rights but for the rights of families to control their own destiny as it relates to bearing children. We will not allow the will of a few people to dictate the reality of other Americans. 

Guaranteed paid parental leave is crucial for supporting healthy growing families and ensuring that parents can be present during one of the most crucial times in their children's lives and in their own relationships. The early stages of parenthood are foundational for both child development and family dynamics, and having time to bond and care for a newborn is invaluable. Paid parental leave allows parents to prioritize their family's well-being without the added stress of financial instability, enabling them to establish strong parent-child bonds, provide necessary care, and navigate the challenges of early parenthood together. By promoting work-life balance and facilitating parental involvement, paid leave not only benefits individual families but also contributes to healthier societies by fostering stronger family units and nurturing the next generation.

Expanding access to affordable, adequate childcare is vital for supporting families and promoting economic prosperity. Childcare costs have become increasingly burdensome for many families, often exceeding rent or mortgage payments in some areas for 2 or more children. This financial strain not only limits parents' ability to work or pursue educational opportunities but also hinders economic mobility and exacerbates inequalities. By making childcare more affordable and accessible, families can better balance work and caregiving responsibilities, allowing parents to participate more fully in the workforce and contribute to the economy. Moreover, quality childcare programs provide children with a strong foundation for learning and development, setting them up for future success. Addressing the affordability of childcare is not only a matter of economic necessity but also an investment in the well-being of families and the future prosperity of society as a whole.

As someone who has been blessed with many wise elderly individuals in his life Aaron understands the need to ensure our elderly are well taken care of. The need for better regulation of Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) is paramount to ensure the well-being and quality of care for our elderly population. Currently, ALFs vary widely in their staffing levels and care standards, leading to inconsistencies in the quality of care provided. Implementing stricter regulations regarding staffing ratios, training requirements, and care standards can help ensure that residents receive the attention and support they need to thrive. By holding ALFs to higher standards of accountability and oversight, we can safeguard the dignity, safety, and overall quality of life for our elderly loved ones, promoting a standard of care that reflects the respect and gratitude they deserve for their contributions to society.

Homelessness among veterans in Florida has been effectively cut by nearly 70% since 2010, largely due to national initiatives to end veteran homelessness. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's 2022 assessment of homelessness, Florida has 7% of the nation's homeless veterans. That's about 2,279 veterans, living on the streets or sleeping on the couch of friends and family. In a state with over 1.5 million veterans there shouldn't be one that goes hungry or is without a home. It is up to the State to close the gap left by the national programs and bring that number down to zero. There are local and state initiatives to address this issue however without a statewide tracking system for veterans experiencing homelessness it is hard to know if the initiatives are working. There could not be a more deserving population of people who should receive the benefit of a housing first trial policy. When elected Aaron will move to establish a housing first trial initiative for Florida veterans to coordinate efforts across the state. This will follow the successful Houston model of housing first. If the policy is a success then Aaron would support a wider program focused on significantly reducing homelessness in Florida. We also need to prioritize preventing homelessness amongst veterans. Rather than reacting to an increase in homelessness we should have support programs that work better to stop veterans from falling into homelessness. Like many Floridians, some veterans are experiencing housing insecurity due to inflation and the affordability crisis Florida is experiencing. 

After receiving some pressure, the current legislature and governor as of 2023 finally reinvested into better supporting our veterans here in Florida. While the capital investments into the VA system was much needed what we need to focus on more is improving the quality of service from Florida's FDVA. Medical services for veterans should be expanded to include all health related needs such as dental, eye sight and all forms of mental health. The mental health service provided should include substance abuse care at every VA center throughout the state. These expanded services should be available for all members of the veteran's immediate family and customers should be able to choose their doctor. Veterans should be able to choose any doctor they would like that is willing to accept them as a patient. 

Aaron wants to increase the support services veterans receive to reintegrate into civilian life. Whether its small business support services and grants, or educational training and job acquisition programs he believes in boosting their overall effectiveness and increasing these benefits for veterans and their families. 

As an American Aaron believes the government has no right to tell any citizen what they can and cannot do with their own body. Your body and time are the only things in this life you truly own. As long as you are not endangering any other individuals you should be allowed to partake in any pass time activity you wish. Needless to say, Aaron supports the full legalization and regulation of recreational Marijuana. It should be treated along similar lines of tobacco and alcohol and freely consumed. While it is on the ballot in 2024 the current state government has shown that they will attempt to limit the success of ballot initiatives even when Floridians vote for it. We need a representative in the Florida senate that will uphold the will of the people of Florida. 

Currently about 2/3rds of Florida Medical Marijuana Market is controlled by 5 major corporations 4 of which have spread here from out of state. This lack of competition stifles innovation and keeps prices high for consumers, particularly those who rely on medical marijuana for their health conditions. This is because the current laws practically require companies to be vertically integrated in the marijuana market. This makes it impossible for other small time producers, distributors, or sellers to specialize within the market at various levels, crowding out what would be smaller localized marijuana markets that could create jobs and opportunities for local communities. Aaron favors what has been dubbed the "craft beer market design" for marijuana. This would allow for more innovation and variety of the product as well as increase the amount of small businesses and entrepreneurs that could get into the industry. Legalized marijuana is not the end of the conversation. How we legalize and regulate is important to talk about to be sure it is benefiting the people of Florida as much as it could. 

While he is uncertain of what the amount should be Aaron believes that a certain amount of Marijuana should be allowed for home production to be personally consumed. 

Improving living conditions inside prisons is imperative for ensuring the safety, dignity, and rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. Overcrowding, inadequate facilities, and substandard living conditions not only compromise the well-being of inmates but also contribute to heightened tensions, violence, and unrest within correctional facilities which places guards and correction officers at risk. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, including repairs and renovations, as well as ensuring access to clean water, adequate nutrition, and healthcare services, we can create environments that promote physical and mental health. 

Providing support for reintegration through initiatives such as housing assistance, community outreach, job programs, mental health services and counseling plays a pivotal role in reducing recidivism and fostering a safer society. Upon release, individuals face numerous challenges in transitioning back into their communities, including securing stable housing and employment opportunities. By offering support in these areas, we can address the underlying factors that contribute to re-offending and promote successful reintegration. Stable housing provides individuals with a sense of stability and security, while community outreach programs offer support networks and access to essential services. Additionally, job programs equip individuals with the skills and resources needed to secure meaningful employment, reducing the likelihood of resorting to criminal activity out of necessity. By providing access to counseling and mental health resources, we can help individuals address past traumas, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience, reducing the risk of recidivism. Mental health support not only promotes individual well-being but also contributes to community safety by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and fostering healthier, more stable individuals who are less likely to engage in criminal activity. By investing in reintegration support for re-entering individuals we empower individuals to break the cycle of crime, contribute positively to society, and ultimately create safer and more resilient communities. We can create a more effective approach to reintegration that leads to long-term positive outcomes for both individuals and society as a whole.

Automatic record sealing or expunction for criminal offenders who have demonstrated years of no crime and successful reintegration is essential for promoting rehabilitation and reducing the barriers to full participation in society. A criminal record can significantly hinder an individual's ability to secure employment, housing, education, and other opportunities, even after they have served their sentence and reintegrated into their communities. By automatically sealing or expunging records for individuals who have maintained a clean record for an extended period, we acknowledge their efforts toward rehabilitation and provide them with a second chance to fully reintegrate into society. This not only promotes fairness and equity but also reduces the stigma and discrimination associated with past criminal involvement, ultimately fostering greater economic stability, social inclusion, and community safety. Automatic record sealing or expunction supports the principles of redemption and second chances while encouraging individuals to continue on a positive path of reintegration and contribution to society. The amount of time for a person's record to be sealed would rely on a number of factors such as the offenders age, their past record, the severity of the crime committed and employment status amongst other things. 

Consumer ownership of their data is a critical regulation for the tech industry as it empowers individuals to control and protect their personal information in an increasingly digital world. In many cases, tech companies collect vast amounts of user data without transparent consent or clear guidelines on how it will be used. This lack of control over personal data can lead to privacy violations, data breaches, and exploitation by third parties. By implementing regulations that grant consumers ownership of their data, individuals gain the right to determine how their information is collected, used, and shared. This fosters transparency, accountability, and trust between consumers and tech companies, ultimately promoting greater privacy rights and data security. Additionally, giving consumers ownership of their data encourages innovation by fostering a marketplace where individuals can securely share their data with trusted parties for mutually beneficial purposes, while maintaining control over their digital identities and privacy.

The general public is unaware of the extent to which algorithms have come to influence our lives. Aside from the obvious epidemic of social media addiction algorithms are also being utilized to price gouge consumers using personal data. The incomprehension of algorithms have allowed for market collusion and price fixing on a massive scale. For example, the DOJ has filed a case against the real estate software firm RealPage which provides pricing recommendations for millions of housing units around the country including some here in Florida, including here in Port Saint Lucie. This company has acted as a tool for collusion between large landlords, pushing up prices which contributes to the issue of housing affordability. 

This is not a unique case. Cases of this type of anti-capitalist collusion and price fixing have been seen across industries. Hotels and airlines have been involved in such activity. Even meat processing plants and grocers have been found to take advantage of this form of price fixing. Federally there has been a bill introduce to deal with these issues but per usual the federal congress remains unproductive on this front and unable to provide the protection to consumers as they should. When the federal government fails to protect its citizens then it falls on states to take up the fight. We need candidates in office here in Florida that understands these issues and can write legislation that can specifically target algorithms and the parts of them that effect our society negatively. The current state representatives lack both the knowledge and desire to do something about this issue. This is why it is important to support new state legislators who better understand the world we live in today and can act accordingly on what is best for our communities. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, offering incredible opportunities but also posing significant risks if left unchecked. Regulating AI is crucial to ensure that this technology is used ethically, protects jobs, preserves privacy, and prevents biases that could harm communities. As a young, forward-thinking State Senate candidate, Aaron Hawkins is uniquely positioned to lead on this issue. With a deep understanding of both the technology and its potential impact on society, Aaron is committed to creating smart, balanced regulations that protect Floridians while fostering innovation.