Originally published Friday, March 29th, by WFSU.
Proposals before the Florida House Finance and Tax Subcommittee usually deal with property or retirement. But on Thursday the committee’s chairman, Rep. Ritch Workman, made a different kind of proposal, the kind that involves a diamond ring.
Ritch Workman (R-Melbourne) is sponsoring a controversial bill this session that would do away with permanent alimony for divorcees. But at Thursday’s committee meeting, divorce couldn’t have been farther from his mind. He was introducing his visiting family, which included two of his children and two of his girlfriend's children. He asked his girlfriend to stand.
“Terri Ann Allerton, my beautiful girlfriend, who I met a little over a year ago at Starbucks. I give a shout-out to Starbucks because it changed my life," Workman said.
He then gave the floor to fellow Melbourne Rep. John Tobia.
Tobia said, “I want to throw my hat in the ring here, and if you’re not ready to marry her I am."
Workman said, “Well, committee, you’ve heard the proposal on the table. All in favor of my proposing to Terri Ann Allerton, say Aye.”
After unanimous "aye" votes from the committee, Workman jumped over the desk and got down on one knee.
The proposal passed favorably with a yes vote from Allerton.
