Gary Anthony Siplin (born October 21, 1954, in Orlando, Florida) was a Democratic member of the Florida Senate, representing the 19th District from 2003. Previously he was a member of the Florida House of Representatives from 2000 through 2002.
Gary Siplin | |
|---|---|
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| Member of the Florida Senate from the 19th district | |
| In office 2003 - 2011 | |
| Succeeded by | Geraldine Thompson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 21, 1954 Orlando, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Victoria Siplin |
| Children | Gary Jr., Angelika, Joshua, Jacob |
| Profession | Attorney |
Siplin earned a B.A. in political science from Johnson C. Smith University, where he became a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh, earning an M.A. in Public and International Affairs. His Juris Doctor was earned at the Duquesne University School of Law.
In 2006, he was convicted of third-degree felony grand theft of $5,000 or more, as well as a misdemeanor statutory violation, for using the services of employees for his candidacy. Siplin, however, enjoyed support from leaders in both political parties. In addition to members of the Democratic Party, Florida Senate President Ken Pruitt, a Republican, refused to call for the expulsion of Siplin from the Legislature until his appeals were exhausted.
On December 28, 2007, the Florida Fifth District Court of Appeal reversed his convictions and remanded the case to the trial court with directions that Siplin be acquitted of the felony charge, and that prosecutors be given permission to retry him on the misdemeanor charge.[1]
Siplin ran for his Senate seat again in 2014, losing to incumbent Geraldine Thompson in the primary by a hair.
Legislation edit
Sagging Pants Legislation edit
Siplin sponsored SB 228, the "droopy drawers" bill in 2011.[2] The bill would require Florida public school districts to add a ban on sagging pants to their dress codes.[3] This legislation was enacted by Governor Scott in May 2011.[4]
In-State Tuition for Non-Citizens edit
Siplin sponsored Florida's version of the DREAM Act. The act would allow for in-state tuition for undocumented students. The bill was killed in the Senate Judiciary Committee, by a vote of 4–3.[5]
Trayvon Martin edit
Siplin sponsored a letter to Governor Rick Scott proposing a Special Prosecutor over the Trayvon Martin case. The governor ultimately decided it was in the best interest of the community to elect a Special Prosecutor to the case.[6]
References edit
- ^ [1] | January 1, 2008 | State Sen. Gary Siplin celebrates reversal of his felony conviction | Walter Pacheco, Sentinel Staff Writer | [2]
- ^ "Florida 'droopy drawers' bill goes to governor". Associated Press. May 5, 2011.
- ^ "SB 228: Code of Student Conduct". The Florida Senate. Retrieved May 6, 2011.
- ^ "Floridians, Hike Up Your Pants: It's the Law". Time. May 8, 2011. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
- ^ "Senate rejects bill to give in-state tuition to Florida students who aren't citizens". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved Feb 16, 2012.
- ^ "Siplin asks for special prosecutor in Trayvon Martin case". Archived from the original on 2012-03-21. Retrieved Mar 12, 2012.
This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (May 2011) |
- Jury Finds Senator Gary Siplin Guilty Of Grand Theft, WFTV.com, August 15, 2006.
- Republican Senate President Ken Pruitt allows Siplin to remain in Florida Senate
- Senator Siplin All Smiles As Probation Gets Delayed By Appeal, WFTV.com, November 29, 2006.
External links edit
- Gary Siplin official website
- Florida State Legislature - Senator Gary Siplin official government website
- Project Vote Smart - Senator Gary Siplin (FL) profile
- Follow the Money - Gary Siplin
- Siplin v. State, No. 5D06-4071 (Fla. 5th DCA, Dec. 28, 2007)
- Business IT Services Inc Gary Siplin's IT Consultant