Last week Florida’s Senators once again proposed legislation aimed at ending time changes. They’ve introduced legislation that would keep the US in Daylight Saving Time in 2021. Citing the pandemic as a new reason to consider remaining in DST, which studies have proven would be best for our economy and health. They're hoping to gain additional traction this year. This is far from the first rodeo on this issue for these two. During his time as Governor Rick Scott signed into law legislation which would permanently place Florida in Daylight Saving Time. However, federal law must enable Florida’s request for the change to take effect. Sen. Rubio began the federal effort prior to Rick Scott joining him in the Senate to no avail. He has since been joined by Rick as they’ve attempted to make inroads in the Senate. Maybe, just maybe, this effort might work.
In 2017, a JP Morgan study found Florida’s economy loses between $12 to $26 billion annually due to the change. Imagine how big the number nationally might be. What’s more, there’s a health component to it. In the first two days after entering Daylight Saving Time stroke and heart attack risks rise by 10%. Against the backdrop of a pandemic induced recession, wouldn’t it make sense to provide our economy with every opportunity to recover? With a virus that places those with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions at greatest risk, does it really make sense to have an artificial time change that significantly increases cardiovascular risk? The bottom line is that any year is the right year to end the arbitrary changing of our clocks. Against the backdrop of the pandemic, it’s a no-brainer. But then again, anything which requires an act of congress, well.
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