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Dear Straz Center Patrons,
We have never before made an appeal to our entire patronage regarding a legislative issue – until today – and we hope we never have to do this again.
But we need your help in preventing the passage of a bill that will bring severe harm to you – our patrons – as well as to our non-profit business model and the way we make our shows and programs available and affordable to the community.
Right now, commercial Internet ticket resellers – better known as SCALPERS – are working in Tallahassee to pass a bill that will give them unlimited access to event tickets at performing arts centers and other types of venues throughout Florida. And these scalpers are often not even located in our state. You can help take action against Florida Bills HB225 and SB392. Here’s how:
- Copy the provided e-mail addresses of our legislators below into your own e-mail,
- Send them a message expressing your opposition to these bills, and
- Tell them you are opposed to these bills because:
• HB225 and SB392 will dismantle protections for Florida’s performing arts centers.
• HB225 and SB392 will give ticket scalpers unlimited and unwanted access to affordable community tickets.
• HB225 and SB392 will negatively affect consumers, community jobs and Florida’s economy.
fasano.mike@flsenate.gov; peter.nehr@myfloridahouse.gov; john.legg@myfloridahouse.gov; ed.hooper@myfloridahouse.gov; doug.holder@myfloridahouse.gov; jason.brodeur@myfloridahouse.gov; joseph.abruzzo@myfloridahouse.gov; larry.ahern@myfloridahouse.gov; mack.bernard@myfloridahouse.gov; ana.logan@myfloridahouse.gov; charles.mcburney@myfloridahouse.gov; jeanette.nunez@myfloridahouse.gov; keith.perry@myfloridahouse.gov; scott.plakon@myfloridahouse.gov; ken.roberson@myfloridahouse.gov; darryl.rouson@myfloridahouse.gov; cynthia.stafford@myfloridahouse.gov; geraldine.thompson@myfloridahouse.gov; carlos.trujillo@myfloridahouse.gov; darren.soto@myfloridahouse.gov; jeff.brandes@myfloridahouse.gov; rick.kriseman@myfloridahouse.gov; jim.frishe@myfloridahouse.gov; jones.denis@flsenate.gov; latvala.jack@flsenate.gov
This bill is so dangerous that if passed, it will:
- Give scalpers with smart software the ability to buy tickets before you.
- Give scalpers the ability to buy unlimited numbers of tickets before you.
- Give scalpers the ability to unfairly mark up ticket prices before reselling them to you.
This bill will also:
- Protect scalpers from having to guarantee the marked-up tickets sold to you.
- Protect scalpers from having to refund you any of your money.
What this means for the Straz Center and other venues around the state:
- We will run out of tickets before many patrons have an opportunity to purchase them.
- We will not be able to operate without the support of our patrons and donors.
- We will not be able to guarantee tickets resold by scalpers.
- We will not be able to keep our ticket prices affordable.
- We will not be able to continue teaching the performing arts.
- We will not be able to continue subsidizing programs for schools and community agencies.
Unfortunately, without your help, buying a fairly priced ticket at the Straz Center and other Florida venues could become very difficult if not impossible – as soon as this July.
Thank you for your time,
Judith Lisi
Straz Center President and CEO
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