UPDATE: About 30 minutes later, Sen. Mike Fasano moved that the amendment with the "Can a Brotha Get a Break" plate be reconsidered, and Sen. Al Lawson then withdrew the amendment. Said Rules Chairman Alex Villalobos, R-Miami: "You've had your moment of fame. Show that amendment withdrawn."

Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson's proposal for a "Can a Brotha Get a Break" plate was approved on a voice vote today in the Senate and attached to SB 2326.

Lawson said people have been rushing to get the plate, with Lawson's image prominently displayed, that benefits the State Employees Relief Fund "for the purpose of offsetting salary and benefit cuts by the Legislature and providing grief counseling."

To which Rules Chairman Sen. Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, reminded Lawson about sticking to the truth.

Sen. Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa, wanted to know, "Do you think the only breaks we should give are for the brothers? What about the sisters?"

Sen. Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, asked Lawson if he plans "to have the first mass distribution within the 2nd Congressional District of Florida," the seat Lawson is running for. That's a good idea, Lawson said.

Lawson has been on a tear against a proposed pay cut for state workers. On Monday, flanked by pastors, state workers and fellow Democratic lawmakers, Lawson held a press conference to urge Gov. Charlie Crist to veto any budget that includes the pay cut as is proposed in the Republican-led House and Senate.

[Photos: Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson reacts to the "Can a Brotha Get a Break" plate on the Senate floor. Scott Keeler, Times]

*