Some Florida Democrats had their ears perk when the president addressed voting laws in his inauguration speech. Changing those laws could prove hard.

Ahead of the presidential election Republicans in Florida and across the country put in place new voting laws that critics say were meant to impede voting. Miami Commissioner Michelle Spence-Jones was on the National Mall for the president’s address and is praising his new focus.

“I think the biggest issue for us in Miami, unfortunately, is the whole voting issue in Florida" Spence-Jones said. "And it was great hear him talk about Florida and addressing those voting rights issues.”

Spence-Jones says the only way U.S. voting laws will change is if leaders like the president champion reforms.

“I’m excited that he put some attention on that during his speech”, said Spence Jones.

To change voting laws at the federal level will take GOP support, and thus far Republicans have rebuffed Democrat’s calls for any changes.