Proposed Rule Would Strip Overtime and Minimum Wage Protections from Over 1.5 Million Workers—More Than 80% Women

Orlando, FL – The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) strongly condemns the Trump Department of Labor’s proposed rule to roll back basic wage protections for home care workers, a move that would slash pay for more than 1.5 million workers nationwide—overwhelmingly women, and disproportionately women of color.

The rule would rescind a 2015 Obama-era regulation that guaranteed minimum wage and overtime protections to home care workers employed by third-party agencies.

Without it, employers could legally pay these essential workers less than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour and deny them overtime pay, even as they work grueling schedules caring for the elderly, disabled, and chronically ill.

Care workers even paid at the ridiculously low Federal Minimum Wage can’t make enough money to support housing, food, transportation. All of them fall into the poverty category.

“This is a direct assault on women’s economic security and on the dignity of care work,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “These workers were called heroes during the pandemic. Now, the Trump administration is telling them their labor is worth less than the bare minimum.”

The Stakes for Florida

• Florida’s aging population is growing faster than the national average, increasing demand for home care services.
• Care workers here already earn poverty wages—many live below the federal poverty line despite full-time work.
• Rolling back protections will deepen the care crisis, drive workers from the field, and harm families who depend on them.

A Reverse Robin Hood

Private equity firms and large home care agencies have posted record profits since the 2015 rule took effect, proving they can thrive while paying fair wages. This rollback would funnel even more money to corporate executives while taking it directly from the pockets of women who can least afford it.

FL NOW’s Call to Action

FL NOW urges Florida’s congressional delegation, state legislators, and the public to:

1. Oppose the repeal of the 2015 home care rule.
2. Support federal and state legislation guaranteeing fair pay, overtime, and benefits for all care workers.
3. Invest in the care economy as essential infrastructure for Florida’s families and economy.

“Care work is the work that makes all other work possible,” said Debbie Deland VP of FL NOW. “We will not stand by while this administration devalues women’s labor and pushes more families deeper into poverty. Please note that even paying the Federal minimum wage means care workers live at a poverty level. The Federal minimum wage is outrageously low.
This rule change is cruel.”

About FL NOW The Florida National Organization for Women is the state’s largest feminist advocacy organization, fighting for gender equity, reproductive freedom, racial justice, and economic security for all women.

For Immediate Release: August 30, 2025

President Julie Kent, Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) president@flnow.org

Orlando, FL – In the wake of the horrific August 27 mass shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church and School in Minneapolis—where two children, ages 8 and 10, were killed and at least 17 others injured, most of them children.  FL NOW is calling for immediate, comprehensive gun control legislation at both the state and federal levels.

According to Minneapolis police, the shooter, armed with a rifle, shotgun, and pistol, fired dozens of rounds through the church windows during a morning Mass marking the first week of school. All three firearms were purchased legally and recently. The attack is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.

“When weapons of war can be bought legally and used days later to slaughter children in a place of worship, our laws are broken beyond repair,” said Julie Kent, President of FL NOW. “Thoughts and prayers are not enough. We demand action that will save lives.”

Our Demands:

1. Universal Background Checks – Close loopholes that allow private sales and gun show purchases without screening.
2. Assault Weapons & High-Capacity Magazine Ban – Prohibit civilian purchase and possession of military-style firearms and accessories designed for mass killing.
3. Mandatory Waiting Periods – Implement a minimum waiting period of one week between purchase and possession to prevent impulsive acts of violence.
4. Extreme Risk Protection Orders – Expand and enforce “red flag” laws to temporarily remove firearms from individuals who pose a danger to themselves or others.
5. National Gun Sale Tracking – Create a centralized system to track firearm sales and prevent trafficking.

A National Crisis Demands a National Response

This tragedy is not an isolated incident. It is part of a relentless pattern of mass shootings that devastate schools, houses of worship, workplaces, and public spaces across the country. In the last 24 hours before the Minneapolis attack, the city saw at least three other fatal shootings.

“Every delay in passing real gun reform is a choice to accept more dead children, more grieving families, and more shattered communities,” said Debbie Deland, Vice President of FL NOW. “We refuse to accept that. We refuse to accept that in America we are subject to a callous and cruel gun lobby.  Our mass shooting crisis is unacceptable and an example of a country mired in gun violence due to lack of strong gun reform. Shame on Congress and the State Legislatures for no action.”

Call to Action

We urge Congress, the State Legislature, and the White House to act now. The lives of our children, our neighbors, and our communities depend on it.

FL National Organization for Women will join state partners in coordinated actions, vigils, and lobbying efforts in the coming weeks. We call on all who believe in the right to live free from gun violence to stand with us.

For Immediate Release: August 23, 2025 by President Julie Kent, Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) president@flnow.org

FL NOW Denounces Overnight Removal of Rainbow Walkways Across Florida

Orlando, FL — In a sweeping and deeply disturbing move, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), under directives aligned with the Trump administration’s SAFER ROADS initiative, has painted over rainbow crosswalks across the state—including the memorial walkway outside the Pulse nightclub, where 49 lives were taken in one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.

The removal was carried out in the middle of the night, without public notice, safety data, or consultation with local officials. The Pulse Memorial crosswalk, installed in 2017, was not only a tribute to LGBTQ+ lives lost—it was a federally compliant safety feature designed to enhance pedestrian visibility in a high-traffic areas.

“This is more than vandalism—it’s a calculated act of erasure,” said Julie Kent, President FL NOW. “By removing these walkways, the state is endangering pedestrians, undermining public safety, and desecrating sacred spaces of remembrance.”

Safety and Visibility at Risk

• The Pulse crosswalk was installed in coordination with FDOT and met national safety standards.
• Rainbow walkways increase pedestrian visibility, especially in high-traffic or memorial zones.
• FDOT’s own memo acknowledges that “surface art” can enhance safety—but now labels it “non-compliant” if tied to social or political meaning.

Erasure of LGBTQ+ History

• The Pulse Memorial crosswalk honored victims—predominantly LGBTQ+ people of color—and symbolized resilience.
• Its removal coincides with broader efforts to suppress DEI initiatives, LGBTQ+ visibility, and historical truth.
• Gov. DeSantis omitted LGBTQ+ references in this year’s Pulse Remembrance Day proclamation.

FL NOW Demands:

• Immediate restoration of the Pulse Memorial crosswalk and the others removed statewide.
• Public release of FDOT’s safety data and decision-making process.
• Protection of memorial spaces from political interference.

“Our communities deserve safe streets and honest history,” said Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW.  “We will not allow the state to weaponize transportation policy to compromise safety and erase lives, identities, and truth. We will rally against making the LGBTQ+ and Marginalized communities invisible.”