Florida is poised to join the wave of states debating how they might reshape congressional voting districts, as political parties grapple for an edge in next year’s midterm elections.

While Florida lawmakers are getting ready to begin work in Tallahassee as the next legislative session gets underway on Tuesday, some are calling for all members to come together and work as a government and not just for individual political parties.

A new Florida law is forcing some public officials to choose between their day jobs or holding office.

Republican Sen. Manny Diaz will become the state’s first Hispanic education commissioner.

Sponsors argue the bill makes sure employees have the final say on their money, but unions say it’s an effort to hurt them. Sponsor Ray Rodrigues wants those union members to know they have alternatives. “This bill is just another attempt at union-busting,” said State Senator Victor Torres. “We think there should be a signed authorization, signed by the employer before the employee’s pay is reduced,” said Rodrigues. If the bill becomes law, public sector unions would not be allowed to ask anyone why they dropped their membership.

FILE - This April 23, 2019, file photo shows the Florida Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. (AP Photo/Phil Sears, File)TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida State Capitol and surrounding community are bracing for potentially violent protests in the coming days leading up to next week’s inauguration. Historically, security breaches at the State Capitol have been few and far between. In 1991, college student Marshall Ledbetter was high on mushrooms when he broke in and took over a senate office. And if protestors do come to the Capitol this weekend, they’ll find buildings empty except for law enforcement. Security at the Capitol was significantly strengthened following the 9-11 attacks and is expected to involve federal state and local law enforcement this weekend and beyond.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - The Florida Education Association (FEA) is on the road this month trying to drum up support for a big pay hike for teachers, better classroom maintenance and more music and art classes. In addition to touring the state, the teachers are calling for a massive rally at the Florida State Capitol on January 13, the day before the legislative session begins. In 2009, thousands of teachers brought more than two million pennies as they pushed for a sales tax increase for schools. Governor Ron Desantis has proposed increasing starting teachers salaries to $47,500, but the teachers union said they need $1 billion more to give every teacher a raise. According to the National Education Association, average teacher pay in Florida currently ranks 47th in the nation.