Will This Be the Time We Finally Stop Changing Time? – Top 3 Takeaways – August 14th, 2026
Takeaway #1: But wait there’s more...
Trivia time... What unpassed piece of legislation would you suspect has frustrated me the most over the course of my career? I know, it’s a largely unfair question because it’s so personal and subjective. Here’s a hint. It’s not the SAVE Act, or something like voter ID specifically...though those are hugely important pieces of legislation which absolutely should be signed into law. No, it’s something altogether different than an issue that often divides into partisan politics. So, what is the legislation that perpetually frustrates me? If you said the Sunshine Protection Act – you'd be correct. And it you said the Sunshine Protection Act, you’re a) a super fan – so thank you and b) you’re probably wired to think analytically...like me. The reason the Sunshine Protection Act is so frustrating to me is due to the length of time that I’ve covered the issue and that it is the ultimate non-partisan issue. But right at the top of the list is the reality that not passing it is machoistic! Why in the world would a society of people intentionally manipulate time in a way that’s proven to cause harm to people in numerous ways? In addition to our economy. For those who may not be aware, the Sunshine Protection Act was something I first covered extensively starting in 2017 – when it was first drafted for the state of Florida. It was the law which would allow Florida to remain in Daylight Saving Time permanently. In 2018 it was signed into law by then Governor Rick Scott but there was one key. Because of a federal law passed in the 1970’s, the federal government would have to pass a law to allow for Florida’s law to take effect. But still, I figured that somewhere along the way with this being a priority for Florida, the ability to work it into the congressional agenda was something that would eventually get done. After all, then Senator Marco Rubio proposed it right away and made it a priority on the first day. That was eight years ago. In the first two congresses, the proposal went nowhere. But then in the third congress in 2022 – Senators Rubio and Scott were able to pass the Sunshine Protection Act unanimously with a voice vote in the Senate. All that had to happen was a simple house vote. That never came as then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it wasn’t a priority and never allowed the House to vote on the legislation that would have passed easily bipartisanly. That meant that it was back to square one. Every year, every congress we’ve played this same game, but there’s always that hope that maybe this year is the year. So fast forward to July and for the first time the House took the Sunshine Protection Act up for a vote and it passed with overwhelming 308-117 support. Solid majorities of both political parties voted in favor of the legislation. We’d likely see a similar thing if it was brought to a vote in the Senate, which didn’t happen immediately. John Thune has suggested that to him it’s not a priority...however maybe that will change. In speaking to Senator Rick Scott yesterday he indicated that President Trump was starting to speak up about the need...
Takeaway #2: To finally pass the Act
Sure enough on Truth Social he’d just posted this which is music to my ears: For many years, the vast Majority of Americans have asked to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, but no Administration has been able to get it properly done, until now. I am proud to announce that the House of Representatives has passed the Bill, and it has now gone to the Senate for final approval. People are sick and tired of having to change their clocks twice a year. It is foolish, inconvenient and, in some cases, very costly. For Cities and States with Watchtowers, and hard to reach places, it costs Millions of Dollars. A recent case was made that it is also bad for your health in the anxiety it creates. Leading Medical, Crime, and Economic Studies have shown that ceasing the biannual time change, giving us one extra hour of natural sunlight in the evenings, will help Decrease Robbery and Murder Rates, Reduce Car Accidents (especially those involving Pedestrians!), Lower Risk for Cardiac Issues, Stroke, and Seasonal Depression, Make It Safer for Children to Walk Home from School, Increase Time with your Family, Strongly Support Extracurricular Activities, Be a Big Boost to Sports, Fitness, Tourism, Retail, and the Restaurant Industries (and more!), and Save Money on Energy Bills, because everyone will be enjoying an EXTRA HOUR OF DAYLIGHT. In other words, leave it as it is now, and never change again. This is an issue that Republicans, Dumocrats, and Independents can unite behind. I am asking Republican Senators to PASS THE SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT, ASAP. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP. And to that mister president I say amen.
Takeaway #3: So, about masochism and new information...
Most of the negative health and economic issues are issues that I’ve long covered. Here’s a refresh for those who may not know when entering DST in the spring: Studies show a 24% spike in heart attacks. Clinical depression cases rise by 11% after the time change strokes up 8% too. Immune system function decreases by an average of 3% resulting in more people getting sick and just for good measure fatal car crashes are typically 6% higher. Workplace injuries, miscarriages for pregnant women are all higher. In the fall, when we assume Standard Time, Florida’s economy losses and estimated $27 billion in economic activity. But there’s one angle I’d never covered that the President addressed...crime. So yesterday I worked on that research and here’s what I found...A study published just this past April in the journal Criminology provided information that I was able to adapt for Florida. If the Sunshine Protection Act was passed resulting in permanent DST – in Florida, we’d see an estimated 9% fewer robberies, burglaries, aggravated assaults and murders during the period of standard time. That would mean 1,500 fewer robberies, nearly 853 fewer burglaries, 945 fewer aggravated assaults, and 93 fewer murders...annually. That’s independent of other types of crimes. It’s the craziest thing that we intentionally screw ourselves twice a year. But maybe just maybe this is the year? The House passed the Act for the first yet – the Senate just needs to do it again...If it gets done before November 1st – we'll never have to worry about time changes again.