Legislation to Assist Military Families Passes Senate Unanimously

From the Senate Dems:

Senate Bill 644 creating the Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Program, passed unanimously off the Senate Floor today. Sponsored by Senator Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg), the bill will provide much needed financial assistance to struggling military families by utilizing private donations. Currently, active duty soldiers in Florida’s National Guard cannot accept financial assistance due to federal regulations.

“This is an important bill that will immediately provide some relief for our military families who are struggling through this tough economy,” Senator Justice said. “There are funds available. This bill will allow us to access this money for its intended purpose.”

According to the Department of Military Affairs, there is close to $300,000 of private donations ready to be disbursed. The funds will go to help families of Florida National Guardsmen serving on active duty with living expenses.

“This is a small tweak to current law that will have a huge impact for families that are already making big sacrifices to protect our freedom,” Senator Justice said. “Thank you to the Florida Senate for supporting our troops.”

Worlds Apart

From Loranne Ausley via FDP:

When it comes to public education, supporting our kids and those who teach them; John Thrasher, Jeff Atwater and I are worlds apart.

Their bill, SB 6, is a disturbing attempt to punish good teachers while pretending to stand for accountability -- a fraudulent and reckless act that will devastate our schools and this state.

Since Karen emailed you just a few days ago, thousands of Floridians have contacted their offices and told them: enough is enough!

But even though they received thousands of emails asking them to drop it within hours of their first hearing on the bill -- they are still trying to move forward.

Join me in contacting their offices and tell them that enough is enough! Go to the Florida Democratic Party website to contact Sen. John Thrasher and Sen. Jeff Atwater and tell them to drop this ridiculous power grab now.


We need your help not because of politics, but because this is just bad legislation that will devastate the schools across our state.

Here are just a few examples of what this bill does:


Removes Local Accountability. SB 6 says "political appointees in Tallahassee know best" and removes discretion from principals and locally elected school boards by setting arbitrary standards and policies that punish teachers and kids.
Forces Increases in Local Taxes. Local school districts that choose to allow principals to evaluate teachers will have state funding stripped - forcing a mandatory increase in local taxes to pay for massive reductions in funding for local public schools.
Punishes Good Teachers. The Atwater/Thrasher plan devalues real classroom experience, advanced training (like National Board Certification) and skill building by dedicated educators, making it illegal to evaluate teachers based on how long they have served as an effective teacher or even their experience as an educator.
Punishes Disadvantaged Children. Perhaps the cruelest element of their plan actually encourages teachers to give up on "difficult" or "challenging" children. Under the Atwater/Thrasher bill, teachers who teach "troubled kids" - those kids most likely to have the lowest test scores - are much more likely to face massive pay cuts or be forced out of teaching altogether. Therefore, many teachers will have no choice but to try to have the most challenging kids moved out of their classroom.

This is the kind of power grab and dangerous legislation that will devastate our schools in every community of this state.

Enough is enough! Let Jeff Atwater and John Thrasher know that we need to stop this ridiculous bill now.

As I campaign across Florida, I have been repeatedly asked, "How are you different than Jeff Atwater?" This bill is a perfect example.

When it comes to true accountability in our schools, I believe that local communities, our school boards, and our principals know best.

When it comes to experience and a life-long dedication to teaching, we should be doing everything we can to encourage good teachers to stay in the classroom and not simply slap teachers in the face in order to score some cheap political points.

When it comes to where we spend your tax dollars, I believe we should be making sound long term investments in our future by investing in our public schools, not legislating them into failure.

And, most importantly, when it comes to children who are disadvantaged, we should support every effort to keep these kids in a positive learning environment and not encourage teachers to push them out of classroom.

Join me in contacting Jeff Atwater and John Thrasher and let them know that we need Tallahassee to focus on real reforms to improve our state's public schools by empowering those on the front lines to do what is best for Florida's children.

Thank you for all your help in calling attention to this legislation, and thank you for joining Karen, me, and thousands of Floridians standing up for Florida's children.

Sincerely,

Loranne Ausley

Link

Now Is Not The Time To Secede From Federal Health Care Reform---House Republicans Promote A Bill To Cut Access To Health Care

Two of five Floridians have inadequate access to basic health care;

· 24 Percent of Floridians are uninsured;

· 8 million Floridians are medically disenfranchised;

· Every Florida county is considered medically underserved.


TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- In an outrageous display of partisanship and insensitivity to the needs of working families, Florida House Republicans will showcase today their latest frivolous attempt to block federal efforts to provide medical coverage to tens of millions of uninsured working families and senior citizens.



Only hours ago, members of Congress approved a far-reaching overhaul of the nation’s health system. Sunday’s health-care vote is being hailed by many healthcare experts and political leaders as a historic advance in social justice, comparable to the establishment of Social Security and Medicare. The legislation is projected to put pressure on rising health care costs and rein in federal budget deficits.

This afternoon, Florida House Republicans in Tallahassee will promote HJR37, a proposed constitutional amendment to secede from federal efforts to reform the nation’s health care system. Seriously deceptive and flawed in its design, the unconstitutional Republican legislation sets the groundwork for any number of future efforts to cut senior citizens access to health care.

“House Republican leaders are once again siding with special interests and trying to kill major health care reforms approved by Congress,” said House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands. “Floridians will reject any attempt to destroy important federal health programs like Medicare, Social Security, and the changes passed by Congress this week. The Republicans’ scare tactics have failed before and their scare tactics will fail again.”

Floridians will embrace the federal health care reforms when they realize the effects, some of which will occur this year. Health insurers, for example, would not be able to deny coverage to children with medical problems or suddenly drop coverage for people who become ill. Insurers must allow children to stay on their parents’ policies until they turn 26. Small businesses could obtain tax credits to help them buy insurance for workers.

For more information about how the federal health care reform legislation will affect you, consider visiting this link to The New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/03/21/us/health-care-reform.html


According to Organizing For America, a grassroots effort of the Democratic National Committee, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Reconciliation Act of 2010, which are expected to be signed into law by President Obama on Tuesday, will offer immediate benefits to millions of Americans through key provisions, including these:

1. SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS -- Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2014, the small business tax credits will cover 50 percent of premiums.)

2. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE-Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand-name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)

3. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE-Eliminates copayments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program. Effective beginning January 1, 2011.

4. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES-Creates a temporary insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive premiums for employers and retirees for health benefits for retirees age 55to 64. Effective 90 days after enactment.

5. ENDS RESCISSIONS-Bans insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.

6. NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE EXISTING CONDITIONS-Prohibits new health plans in all markets plus grandfathered group health plans from denying coverage to children with preexisting conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to all persons.)

7. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE-Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.

8. BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE-Tightly restricts the use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care in all new plans and grandfathered group health plans. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, the use of any annual limits would be prohibited for all new plans and grandfathered group health plans.)

9. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS-Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no copayments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles. Effective 6 months after enactment.

10. NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS-Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan. Effective 6 months after enactment.

11. ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS-Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders. Effective on January 1, 2011.

12. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH RISK POOL)-Provides immediate access to affordable insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a preexisting condition through a temporary subsidized high risk pool. Effective 90 days after enactment.

13. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS' INSURANCE - Requires new health plans and certain grandfathered plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents' insurance policy, at the parents' choice. Effective 6 months after enactment.

14. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS-Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

15. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS-Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

16. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY-Prohibits group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees. Effective 6 months after enactment.

17. HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION-Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in FY 2010.

18. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM-Creates a long term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide home and community-based services to adults who become functionally disabled. Effective on January 1, 2011.

From the Blogs

The latest stories from the Florida blogs (and beyond) about Florida Democrats.

Saint Petersblog: Does Al Lawson deserve credit for Allen Boyd's vote on Health Care Reform?

Saint Petersblog: Rep. Janet Long's bill to boost tax haul for rooms booked online meets stiff resistance

The Reid Report: Alex Sink’s got a business plan for Florida … Bill McCollum: not so much

Progress Florida: Representative Suzanne Kosmas: Listen to us, not the insurance companies

The Reid Report: In case you missed it: the Alan Grayson comedy hour, ‘Wild Alaskan dingbat’ edition

Pensito Review: Grayson: ‘Palin is a Chillbilly and the Smartest Leader from the GOP since George W. Bush’

litbrit: Your Monday motivation: Bend it like Grayson

Saint Petersblog: Lori Edwards, but not Charlie Justice, make DCCC's "Red to Blue" program

Saint Petersblog: PolitiFact rules "True" on Justice's statement about the GOP-controlled legislature raising taxes

Pensito Review: Poll Shows “Most Vulnerable” Democrat is Popular with Republicans

Eye on Miami: White Guy is Running for the Meek Seat in Congress

Saint Petersblog: Does Dave Aronberg really want to be Charlie Crist's rockstar anymore?

Bilerico Project Florida: Florida Lawmaker Introduces "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal Measure

Equality Florida: EQFL Joins Rep. Kriseman in his call to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

The Campaign Manager: Lawyer to Lawyer Letter from Sandy D'Alemberte

The Reid Report: Wasserman-Schultz, DNC blast Florida Republican Party, call for special prosecutor

Clean Up City of St. Augustine Florida: Folio Weekly: Backpage Editorial by Faye Armitage -- "SAVING ST. AUGUSTINE"

FLA Politics: Bill Nelson: Friend to Spammers

The Reid Report: Latest Herald column: ‘yawn of a new era’

Eye on Miami: Alex Sink: won't swim in the deep end of the pool

Rep. Alan Grayson: Vote Now on the Public Option

Kendrick Meek's Statement on Today's Unemployment Rate Announcement

Miami Gardens, Fla. - U.S. Democratic Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek responded to today's announcement by the Florida Agency of Workforce Innovation that Florida's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose to 12.2 percent in February.

"Floridians don't need monthly unemployment figures to know that our state is hurting. Compared to other states, we are leaders in unemployment and laggards in deploying critical Recovery Act dollars meant for our communities. Other states are beginning their economic recovery, but Florida is lagging behind. The status quo is not working for Floridians and I am working to bring new, long term jobs to Florida," said Kendrick Meek, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

Thurman Applauds Democrats for Passing Health Insurance Reform

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman today released the following statement following the historic vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to pass comprehensive health insurance reform.

"Today we made history. President Obama and Democrats in Congress achieved what Presidents since Teddy Roosevelt have attempted - to pass comprehensive health insurance reform to help the American people. This is a victory for all Floridians. With this landmark legislation, we will have a health care system that works for Floridians, not insurance companies.

"Health insurance reform will provide unprecedented protections for every American consumer and will put health care decisions back into the hands of families, not insurance companies. American families will feel the impact of this legislation immediately. Insurance companies will no longer be permitted to deny coverage to children and adults due to a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies will no longer be permitted to kick students off of their parent's health insurance when they reach the age of 26. And insurance companies will no longer be permitted to drop insurance for hard-working people all across the country because they get sick.

"This legislation is the single greatest deficit reduction package since President Clinton's 1993 budget, which ushered in an era of budget surpluses and economic growth. It will reduce the deficit by over a trillion dollars in the next twenty years and put us back on a path to fiscal responsibility, all while providing coverage to 95 percent of all Americans.

"Today, Floridians thank President Obama and Democrats for their strong leadership, commitment to the middle class and continued work to make America a better place. This reform will better the lives of millions of Americans, and for that Democrats should be commended."

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Reconciliation Act of 2010, which are expected to be signed into law by President Obama within days, will offer immediate benefits to millions of Americans through key provisions including:

1. SMALL BUSINESS TAX CREDITS-Offers tax credits to small businesses to make employee coverage more affordable. Tax credits of up to 35 percent of premiums will be immediately available to firms that choose to offer coverage. Effective beginning for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2014, the small business tax credits will cover 50 percent of premiums.)

2. BEGINS TO CLOSE THE MEDICARE PART D DONUT HOLE-Provides a $250 rebate to Medicare beneficiaries who hit the donut hole in 2010. Effective for calendar year 2010. (Beginning in 2011, institutes a 50% discount on brand‐name drugs in the donut hole; also completely closes the donut hole by 2020.)

3. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER MEDICARE-Eliminates co‐payments for preventive services and exempts preventive services from deductibles under the Medicare program. Effective beginning January 1, 2011.

4. HELP FOR EARLY RETIREES-Creates a temporary re‐insurance program (until the Exchanges are available) to help offset the costs of expensive premiums for employers and retirees for health benefits for retirees age 55‐64. Effective 90 days after enactment.

5. ENDS RESCISSIONS-Bans insurance companies from dropping people from coverage when they get sick. Effective 6 months after enactment.

6. NO DISCRIMINATION AGAINST CHILDREN WITH PRE‐EXISTING CONDITIONS-Prohibits new health plans in all markets plus grandfathered group health plans from denying coverage to children with pre‐existing conditions. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, this prohibition would apply to all persons.)

7. BANS LIFETIME LIMITS ON COVERAGE-Prohibits health insurance companies from placing lifetime caps on coverage. Effective 6 months after enactment.

8. BANS RESTRICTIVE ANNUAL LIMITS ON COVERAGE-Tightly restricts the use of annual limits to ensure access to needed care in all new plans and grandfathered group health plans. These tight restrictions will be defined by HHS. Effective 6 months after enactment. (Beginning in 2014, the use of any annual limits would be prohibited for all new plans and grandfathered group health plans.)

9. FREE PREVENTIVE CARE UNDER NEW PRIVATE PLANS-Requires new private plans to cover preventive services with no co‐payments and with preventive services being exempt from deductibles. Effective 6 months after enactment.

10. NEW, INDEPENDENT APPEALS PROCESS-Ensures consumers in new plans have access to an effective internal and external appeals process to appeal decisions by their health insurance plan. Effective 6 months after enactment.

11. ENSURING VALUE FOR PREMIUM PAYMENTS-Requires plans in the individual and small group market to spend 80 percent of premium dollars on medical services, and plans in the large group market to spend 85 percent. Insurers that do not meet these thresholds must provide rebates to policyholders. Effective on January 1, 2011.

12. IMMEDIATE HELP FOR THE UNINSURED UNTIL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE (INTERIM HIGH‐RISK POOL)-Provides immediate access to affordable insurance for Americans who are uninsured because of a pre‐existing condition ‐ through a temporary subsidized high‐risk pool. Effective 90 days after enactment.

13. EXTENDS COVERAGE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 26TH BIRTHDAY THROUGH PARENTS' INSURANCE - Requires new health plans and certain grandfathered plans to allow young people up to their 26th birthday to remain on their parents' insurance policy, at the parents' choice. Effective 6 months after enactment.

14. COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS-Increases funding for Community Health Centers to allow for nearly a doubling of the number of patients seen by the centers over the next 5 years. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

15. INCREASING NUMBER OF PRIMARY CARE DOCTORS-Provides new investment in training programs to increase the number of primary care doctors, nurses, and public health professionals. Effective beginning in fiscal year 2010.

16. PROHIBITING DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SALARY-Prohibits group health plans from establishing any eligibility rules for health care coverage that have the effect of discriminating in favor of higher wage employees. Effective 6 months after enactment.

17. HEALTH INSURANCE CONSUMER INFORMATION-Provides aid to states in establishing offices of health insurance consumer assistance in order to help individuals with the filing of complaints and appeals. Effective beginning in FY 2010.

18. CREATES NEW, VOLUNTARY, PUBLIC LONG‐TERM CARE INSURANCE PROGRAM-Creates a long‐term care insurance program to be financed by voluntary payroll deductions to provide home and community-based services to adults who become functionally disabled. Effective on January 1, 2011.

Kendrick Meek's Statement on Tonight's Health Insurance Reform Vote

U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek released the following statement regarding tonight's vote on health insurance reform.

"The journey we took was long and complicated, but the hours of debate and numerous town hall meetings allowed us to arrive at this historic moment.

"Speaker Rubio, just like the Republican leadership in Washington, embraces a strategy of 'No,' an approach of delay tactics and denials of the healthcare crisis that is affecting millions of Floridians. He has sworn to do everything he can to repeal health insurance reform. That means we could lose our best chance to prevent insurance companies from denying coverage due to pre-existing conditions and to close the Medicare prescription drug coverage 'donut hole.'

"Governor Crist isn't any better. He's against the current plan and his 'Cover Florida' alternative - the statewide initiative that claims to offer low-cost insurance - signed up fewer Floridians in its first five months than the number of people who lose their insurance every week in our state. That's not reform.

"We've waited for too long and have started over too often - now is a moment for action to stand on the right side of history," said Kendrick Meek, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

WE DID IT! Blue Dog Boyd flips position on Health Care Reform

From Al Lawson:

I have good news to report. Late yesterday, Blue Dog Allen Boyd flipped his position on Health Care Reform and will now support the bill. This is great news, not only for the people of North Florida but for the country.

Last week, I asked you to sign our petition telling Boyd that we expected him to vote for real health care reform, and you responded. Hundreds of supporters signed our petition, and Allen Boyd heard our message loud and clear. News reports are already tying Boyd’s decision to our efforts. (HERE and HERE)

WE DID IT! To those who made your voices heard, I extend a sincere “Thank You.”

Our Blue Dog Obedience School was a huge success, but I don’t deserve the credit – you do. I simply hosted a website; it was your activism that forced Allen Boyd to abandon his special interest friends in the insurance and health care industries and instead vote for the people of his district. You deserve the credit!

But this is not over! Local Tea Party groups have pledged to keep fighting against health care reform. In an emergency email late last night, Tea Party organizers called for their members to keep calling Boyd to get him to switch his vote back again. For this reason, we must continue our petition drive so we can present Boyd with the results by tomorrow. We cannot allow our Blue Dog to stray.

Please visit BlueDogSchool.com and sign the petition for Health Care Reform. The anti-reform forces are not letting up and neither should we. The issue of health care is too important. Blue Dog Boyd has voted against us before; we must make sure he doesn’t do it again. Please sign our petition so we can keep Blue Dog Boyd on a short leash.

Sincerely,
Al

P.S. – After you sign our petition at BlueDogSchool.com, please FORWARD this message to at least five friends. Blue Dog Allen Boyd needs to hear from you and all those who support Health Care Reform!

Statement by Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson on Education Vote

Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson (D-Tallahassee) on Friday issued the following statement following the unanimous vote by Senate Democrats rejecting Senate Bill 06:

“On Friday, the Democratic members of the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Ways and Means soundly and unanimously voted to reject legislation which threatens to further undermine public education in Florida.

“This bill was not inclusive, in fact, it excluded the very stake holders it targets. Teachers on the front lines were not consulted on legislation which turns upside down their ability to teach and be recognized as professionals.

“You can’t have it both ways. You can’t cite from a report touting Florida’s advancement in testing standards, but exclude the failures in other educational areas the report also notes.

“If Florida has truly advanced to a higher standard in educational accountability, it is the teachers who deserve the bulk of the credit. Despite the onslaught of cuts leveled by the Republican leadership each year, they’ve managed to do more with less, often reaching into their own pockets to pay for children’s needed school supplies.

“Passage of this bill without allowing them any input just adds insult to injury. I sincerely hope that the Republican leadership, along with Senator John Thrasher, heed their voices and incorporate the recommendations of those who are up close and personal on a daily basis with Florida’s school children.

“We urge them to keep their promise of an open door before delivering yet another crushing blow to one of our most dedicated and committed group of professionals in Florida.”

House Bill 1493 -- Career Offenders legislation by Rep. Janet Cruz

Representative Janet Cruz’s (D-Tampa) first bill, HB 1493 (Career Offenders), which will make it a crime to assist a career offender elude law enforcement, will get its first hearing on Monday, March 22.

To mark the occasion, Representative Cruz will hold a press conference at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2010, in the Fourth floor Rotunda of the Capitol in front of the House Chamber. Representative Cruz will be joined by law enforcement officers who have expressed support for the proposed legislation.

“As your State Representative and voice in Tallahassee, I am committed to making our community safer,” said Representative Cruz. “Career offenders and those who choose to aid them in eluding law enforcement officers will be held accountable for their actions.”

The bill would make it a misdemeanor for anyone who has reason to believe that a career offender is not complying with the Career Offender Registration Act and assists a career offender elude law enforcement by withholding information about the offender’s whereabouts; harboring and/or assisting another person harbor the offender; and/or providing false information about the offender’s whereabouts. HB 1493 has gained the support of law enforcement leaders throughout the state as well as from Representative Cruz’s home district in Tampa.

"As most are aware, a small percentage of criminals commit the majority of crime in our community. This enhancement to the Career Offender Bill would provide police officers with another avenue to control those prolific criminals who prey on our citizens every day," said Chief Jane Castor of the Tampa Police Department

A companion bill (SB 2750) has been filed by Senator Charles Dean (R-Inverness). House Bill 1493 was originally filed by former State Representative Michael Scionti in 2009. It was passed by the House but died before a vote could be taken in the Senate at the end of the 2009 legislative session.

Perspective on the State Budget -- Regarding House Appropriations Proposals

From the House Dems:

This morning, the House Appropriations Council published a series of budget bills that deserve significant public review to ensure that they are truly reflective of the priorities of Floridians.

Florida House Democratic Caucus members are confident that Floridians want a state spending plan that doesn’t raise taxes and fees on working families and small businesses. We believe Floridians want economic growth, job creation and a budget that protects public education, vital health care programs and other essential state services.

At first glance, the House Republican leadership appears to be offering a budget in contrast to the one submitted by Governor Charlie Crist. The preliminary House recommendation drains trust funds, fails to increase state spending on education but substantially increases the tuition that students and parents pay for college and university costs. It makes cuts in key healthcare programs, doesn’t restart the Florida Forever environmental program, and makes other risky decisions.

Florida House Democrats are listening to the people. We know that most families can’t afford to pay higher taxes. That’s why we think it is crucial that the Fiscal Year 2010-11 state budget is fiscally responsible; attacks waste, fraud and abuse; makes good use of available federal stimulus funds; and avoids cuts that could have long-term negative cost consequences for taxpayers.

After being solidly in charge of Florida government for 12 years, Republicans have left our state in a deep fiscal mess. They made the wrong choices for Floridians last year. They raised taxes and fees on small businesses and the middle class. They made irresponsible budget cuts. And they raided trust funds dedicated to important public causes, such as children’s health and conservation land purchases. This year, we are hoping that the majority party fashions a better state budget for Florida’s families and businesses.

The remainder of this document highlights several items we have identified in the House budget proposals released today that will be closely reviewed by Florida House Democratic Caucus members in the remainder of the 2010 legislative session.

Additionally, because your impressions matter and because you deserve to be heard by elected officials, we are providing the following web site link to take you to various 2010 appropriations documents provided by the Florida House of Representatives.

http://tinyurl.com/y9a7xd3

The following are among the items of concern in the preliminary House budget bills:

PREK – 12 EDUCATION:
· Raids $58 million from voluntary Prekindergarten and shifts those dollars to K-12 funding.

· Per-Student Funding Cut. The FEFP (Florida Education Finance Program) would see a $31 per student cut from the current $6,866 per student funding level.

STATE UNIVERSITIES AND PRIVATE COLLEGES:
· Tuition Hike of up to 15 percent. The budget calls for an 8-percent increase in all colleges and universities statewide, and an additional 7-percent hike where approved by university oversight boards.

HEALTH CARE:
· Cuts $309 million in payments to health care providers at nursing homes, hospitals, pharmacies, and other medical clinics.

· Cuts by nearly half the “independent living” monthly stipend for Florida’s foster-care youth from about $1,300 a month to $675/month.

· Cuts health education programs by $9.7 million.

· Eliminates health benefits for certain pregnant women in families just above the federal poverty level.

· Cuts $4.7 million from “Healthy Start” programs that support pregnant women and babies.

ENVIRONMENT:
· Fails to restart Florida Forever and Everglades Restoration. By contrast, Governor Crist recommends $50 million to Florida Forever, and $50 million for Everglades restoration.

TRANSPORTATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
· Cuts $21 million from public libraries.

· State transportation work program cuts.

· Reduces funding for affordable housing programs.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
· Cuts $2 million from public defenders.

· Cuts $1 million from state attorneys.

· Reduces funding for community intervention programs run by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS:
· Eliminates funding for the Office of Supplier Diversity, the Commission on Disabilities, and the Office of Government Efficiency.

· Cuts to state worker salaries and retiree benefits.

Thurman Applauds President Obama's Signing of Jobs Bill

Earlier today, President Obama signed the HIRE Act, a jobs bill that will encourage businesses to hire workers, provides tax breaks for companies investing in their future, and helps get Americans back to work. In response to the President's signing of this groundbreaking legislation, Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman released the following statement:

"Today, Floridians are thanking President Obama for signing the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act into law. This legislation builds on the investments made by the President's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which is credited with funding up to 2 million jobs in the last year and bringing our economy back from the brink of collapse. At this critical time when our economy is just starting to turn around but too many Americans are still looking for work, this bill creates added incentives for businesses to create jobs and grow their operations. A strong private sector is critical to economic growth and is the engine of job creation in our country.

"The HIRE Act forgives payroll taxes for businesses hiring folks who have been out of work, encourages small businesses to invest in their future and towns in schools and clean energy, and maintains critical infrastructure investments.

"This bill is one of several job-creating measures Democrats are working to pass this year. While some Republicans broke ranks with their party and joined Democrats in supporting this commonsense legislation, we call on Republican leaders to stop their obstruction and work with Democratic leaders to help the middle class and get our economy back on track."

The HIRE Act:

1. Forgives payroll taxes on new employees hired by businesses by the end of the year in cases where the employee has been out of work for at least the past two months.

2. Allows small businesses to write off investments in equipment this year.

3. Reforms municipal bonds in a way that encourages investments in schools and clean energy.

4. Maintains investments in construction projects throughout the spring and summer.

Senator Tony Hill Files Legislation Recognizing Academic Excellence

An annual event that’s been characterized by some as “the most celebrated event in the life of a high school athlete” may get some competition if the Legislature signs off on a measure sponsored by Senator Anthony Hill (D-Jacksonville) and Representative Betty Reed (D-Tampa).

Dubbed the District School Board Policies and Procedures legislation, SB 206/HB 55 encourages district school boards to recognize academic ability as much as athletic prowess. Under the measure, the third Tuesday in April each year would be designated as “Academic Scholarship Signing Day.”

“We value academics in Florida like we do sports,” said Sen. Hill. “This bill is the perfect vehicle to recognize those students who excel in academics. In other words, this is their day.”

Currently, Florida law does not require or encourage school districts to conduct “Academic Scholarship Signing Day” assemblies or activities that recognize academic success. If passed, SB 206/HB55 will allow school districts to recognize high school seniors who have been awarded postsecondary academic scholarships and authorize assemblies or other events for this purpose. Additionally, students may sign actual or ceremonial documents signifying acceptance of the scholarship.

The “Academic Scholarship Signing Day” is modeled after the “letter of intent” signing activities conducted by many U.S. high schools to celebrate a student athlete’s acceptance of a college athletic scholarship. The purpose of Academic Scholarship Signing Day is to recognize academic achievement with similar fanfare.

“Recognizing our student athletes is always a great thing to do,” said Rep. Reed. “However, I feel that we should also recognize our best and our brightest students for their academic success. Wouldn’t it be a grand idea to hold a press conference or some type of celebration announcing a student’s acceptance of an ACADEMIC scholarship to study Economics?"

Tallahassee's devious schemes

From FDP:

This week, State Senator John Thrasher, who recently became the Republican Party Chairman, and Republican Senate President Jeff Atwater are trying to push a Tallahassee power grab through the Legislature on education designed to bully teachers and schools into doing what these politicians want.

This isn't a political issue to me. Before I ever ran for office I taught Math at Dunnellon Middle School. I decided to get involved in government and run for office thanks in part to my students who encouraged me to do it.

So, when Sen. Thrasher, Sen. Atwater, and the Republican leadership moved to erode local control of our schools, bully teachers, and raise property taxes all in one bill - I can't stay quiet.

I know firsthand that Tallahassee politicians bullying teachers and threatening education professionals will do nothing to improve Florida's public schools or increase opportunity for Florida's children.

Enough is enough! Please go to the Florida Democratic Party website to contact Sen. John Thrasher and Sen. Jeff Atwater and tell them to drop this ridiculous power grab now.

Rather than looking for real reforms to improve our state's public schools by empowering those teachers in the classrooms and education professionals on the front lines to do what is best for Florida's children, Sen. Thrasher and the other Republican politicians in Tallahassee have chosen a power grab through unfunded mandates.

If that weren't enough, this bill will likely raise property taxes on Florida's small businesses and middle-class families, who are already hurting in these hard economic times from Republican politicians raising taxes and fees by $2 billion last year.

For years, Republicans have crafted 'devious schemes' as Jeb Bush once called it to undermine Florida's public schools. Thrasher's legislation is just another one of these schemes by Republican politicians, which is why I am saying: enough is enough!

We need to work together to stop this bill. Join me in contacting Sen. John Thrasher and Sen. Jeff Atwater and tell them to drop this ridiculous power grab, right now.

Thank you for making a stand and contacting Sen. Thrasher and Sen. Atwater. Every person who stands up could make the difference in protecting our schools from their power grab.

Sincerely,

Karen Thurman

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Florida House Democratic Caucus Members Offer More Ideas To Restore The Public Trust

A dozen proposals to create greater transparency and more citizen involvement in the political process and to end the Republican culture of corruption in Tallahassee were presented today by members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus.

The amendments sought to help regain the public’s trust in elected officials and the Florida Legislature. Ruling-party House Republicans refused the proposals and, instead, voted to revive legislative leadership slush funds that have been outlawed for two decades.

“Unfortunately, too many people don’t trust government because the campaign finance laws at the state level are a joke,” said Representative Scott Randolph, D-Orlando. “Right now, you can drive a Mack truck through the campaign finance laws.”

Amendments to House Bill 1207 backed by Florida House Democrats aimed to put real teeth in campaign finance laws by, among other things, imposing limits on contributions to secretive political committees.

Representative Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) offered an amendment that would have demanded greater accounting and reporting of political committees’ spending, such as the now-secretive credit card transactions of the Republican Party of Florida. “This proposal would benefit the people because they will regain trust in us (lawmakers) and the legislative process,” said Representative Fitzgerald.

Representative Janet Long (D-St. Petersburg) offered an amendment that would have merely required groups making telephone calls for electioneering purposes to identify themselves to callers.

Representative Richard Steinberg (D-Miami Beach) proposed prohibiting any person or organization from giving elected officials a gift based on their contribution to certain campaign funds. “People don’t have trust in the system if they believe we are getting rich or taking money by the votes we are taking,” said Representative Steinberg.

Florida House Democratic Caucus members filed 14 amendments to HB 1207, two of which were withdrawn, with the remaining 12 discussed briefly today on the floor of the Florida House of Representatives.

To review all the amendments offered by Florida House Democratic Caucus members, and to see how your lawmakers’ voted, you are encouraged to visit this page of the Legislature’s web site:

http://tinyurl.com/ydyqr8v

Senator Dave Aronberg Seeks Details on Convergys Sale

Concerned by the recent news that the private American-based company responsible for handling Florida’s most sensitive employee data has been sold to a foreign firm, state Senator Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres) has made inquiries to State and company officials to better understand just who knew what and when.

“I have reservations about this entire deal,” said Sen. Aronberg. “Did the company or agency know about the pending deal when they renegotiated the contract’s renewal? Did the selling price hinge in any way on Florida's signature on the dotted line?”

At issue is the recent announcement that Convergys’ human resources division has been sold to British-based NorthgateArinso. The news comes just three months after the company inked a 5-year, $248 million contract extension with the state of Florida to continue operating the state’s personnel service known as “People First.”

The deal could be problematic since Convergys handles some of the most sensitive personnel data under a human resources outsourcing contract first struck in 2002. Despite contractual language mandating that all personnel services be done in Florida, the extension signed with Convergys in December could mean that private data on all state employees, including law enforcement and others with restricted access to personal information, would be handed off to a foreign firm as part of the sale, the Senator noted.

In letters sent Tuesday to Department of Management Services Secretary Linda South, and Convergys President and CEO Jeff Fox, Aronberg, who is vice chairman of the Senate Policy and Steering Committee on Governmental Operations, asked pointed questions about the timing of the contract renewal and the subsequent sale.

He is also scheduled to meet with DMS officials on Thursday to follow up on the controversial issue.

“When did your agency become aware of the impending sale of Convergys’ HR unit to NorthgateArinso?” wrote Aronberg to DMS head South.

“Was there any indication from the company, prior to the contract extension agreement, that it was engaged in any talks with a potential buyer?” he penned in his letter to Convergys’ Fox.

The Senator, a long-time watchdog on privatization accountability, also asked both Fox and South to explain what safeguards will be in place to protect the data and ensure that it remains in Florida.

“Whenever foreign companies are in control of sensitive personal information, it raises concerns for me,” he said.

Gelber Announces Legislation to Protect Florida Workers

Today the Senate Commerce Committee passed landmark legislation proposed by State Senator Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) that will require Florida residents receive preference in employment in state contracts when state taxpayer dollars are involved. The legislation also addresses abuses within the H-2B visa (temporary worker) program where foreign workers have been approved for hire despite the availability of qualified Florida residents.

Senate Bill 2482 - which earned a 9-0 vote in the committee - requires construction contracts funded with state taxpayer dollars to contain a provision requiring preference be given to Florida residents. The bill authorizes the same provision be included in contracts from local government.

Senator Gelber commented, “Too many Floridians are out of work to be giving jobs away to nonresidents. This is, after all, Florida taxpayer money and at the very least it ought to be spent on getting Floridians back to work."

The bill also increases (from 10 to 30 days) the time within which a job advertisement associated with the H-2B Certification be posted with the regional workforce board and requires the want ad be posted in the vicinity of the job site. H-2B visas allow foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. temporarily and engage in nonagricultural employment which is supposed to be seasonal. It has been documented that some employers have gamed the system in order to import cheaper foreign labor. The 30-day window and advertising requirements will allow for more potential Florida employees to see and respond to the job order and, thus, curtail the abuse.

“With a 12% unemployment rate it is outrageous that qualified Florida workers are being denied jobs through an abuse by employers of a federal visa program,” Gelber said.

Thurman to Thrasher: Stop Bullying Florida's Teachers And Don't Force Counties To Raise Property Taxes

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman today slammed Sen. John Thrasher, Republican Party Chairman, for his legislative attempts to bully Florida's teachers, gut local control of schools and force counties to raise property taxes. Thurman, who first got involved in government after her students encouraged her to run for public office while teaching math at Dunnellon Middle School, said:

"As a former middle school teacher, I know firsthand that Tallahassee politicians bullying teachers and threatening education professionals will do nothing to improve Florida's public schools or increase opportunity for Florida's children.

"Rather than looking for real reforms to improve our state's public schools by empowering those teachers in the classrooms and education professionals on the front lines to do what is best for Florida's children, Sen. Thrasher and the other Republican politicians in Tallahassee have chosen a power grab through unfunded mandates.

"And if bullying teachers wasn't bad enough, Sen. Thrasher's bill could raise property taxes on Florida's small businesses and middle class families, who are already hurting in these hard economic times from Republican politicians raising taxes and fees by $2 billion last year.

"For years, Republicans have crafted 'devious schemes' as Jeb Bush once called it to undermine Florida's public schools. Thrasher's legislation is just another one of these schemes by Republican politicians, which is why I am saying today: enough is enough!

"Sen. Thrasher, stop working to drive good teachers out of the classroom. Don't gut local control. No more unfunded mandates. And don't force counties to raise property taxes during these tough economic times."

Senator Ted Deutch Continues to Squeeze Iran's Economic Lifeline

Continuing in his relentless efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) unanimously passed SB 2520 out of the Senate Committee on Military Affairs and Domestic Security today. This vital legislation will prevent state agencies from entering into, awarding, or renewing a contract with any company doing business, either directly or indirectly, with Iran.

The timeliness of this legislation is bolstered by a report released from The New York Times last week detailing how the federal government has awarded over $107 billion within the past decade to companies engaged in business with Iran. Included in that $107 billion is $15 billion for companies that financially support Iran’s energy sector – a direct violation of U.S. sanctions law.

“The state of Florida has made it clear in the past that its citizens and businesses will not contribute to Iran’s illicit nuclear weapons program,” said Senator Deutch. “We must continue these efforts and put all safeguards in place to prevent Iran from achieving its goal of developing nuclear weapons.”

SB 2520, sponsored by Representative Rader (D-Delray Beach) in the Florida House of Representatives, is modeled on Congressman Ron Klein’s federal legislation, “The Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act,” a measure praised by Senator Deutch. In his efforts to gain support for this important legislation, Senator Deutch has worked closely with United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI), an organization whose primary goal is to put extreme economic pressure on the Iranian regime to prevent their efforts to build a nuclear arsenal. “It is time for companies to choose whether they want to do business with Iran or with the good people of the 50 U.S. states, and that is what this bill requires. Now more than ever, federal and state governments must be accountable for every taxpayer dollar that it spends. ” said UANI President, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace. “UANI applauds Senator Ted Deutch and his staff for sponsoring legislation that keeps in mind the best interests of Florida taxpayers as well as U.S. national security.”

In conjunction with this legislation, Senator Deutch sent a letter last week to Governor Charlie Crist, following up on his previous request that the Governor halt Vitol, formerly Iran’s largest supplier of refined petroleum, from using public funds to open a terminal at Florida’s Port Canaveral. Senator Deutch also sent a letter to Ash Williams, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, urging him to expedite the availability of a terror-free retirement option for Florida workers. In his letter, Senator Deutch emphasizes the fact that legislation signed into law last year by Governor Crist requires this terror-free option to be available by March 1, 2010.

“There is but one moment in Florida’s history to prevent Iran form developing nuclear weapons, and that moment is now,” said Senator Deutch. “Florida need not stand by while the federal government fails to enforce serious economic sanctions on Iran. Just last week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the 9/11 attacks on America a lie, and he shows no signs of retreating from his previous call to wipe Israel off the map. Iran is sliding towards a military dictatorship built on defiance of the international community and the oppression of its own people, and Florida taxpayers have no interest in financially supporting this dangerous regime,” said Senator Deutch.

Representative Roberson's Antiretroviral Bill Approved in Committee

Representative Yolly Roberson’s (D-North Miami Beach) antiretroviral medication bill (House Bill 591) was approved yesterday by the House Health Care Regulation Policy Committee.

The bill ensures that people with private health insurance can obtain the drugs their physician has determined are medically necessary for the treatment and diagnosis of HIV/AIDS without life threatening delay or interference from their insurance company.

“The committee approval of this bill is a victory for the people of Florida,” Representative Roberson said. “The legislators who voted for this bill demonstrated true courage.”

House Bill 591:

· Protects consumers by prohibiting health plans and insurance carriers from subjecting the drugs used to treat HIV/AIDS to administrative procedures that limit patient access and undermine physician orders;
· Extends to the private sector the policy in use by Medicaid and Medicare;
· Reduces long term costs because people able to take their medications can lead healthy and productive lives without risk of complications that result without treatment; and,
· Reduces the cost to Florida’s public health system by providing access and proper medication management, thereby reducing the opportunity for patients to transmit the virus to others.

“This is critical healthcare legislation,” said Representative Roberson. “Even one instance of delay can be life threatening and increases the risk of further transmission of HIV.”

Statement by U.S. Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek on U.S.-Israel Diplomacy and the Peace Process

U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek released the following statement on U.S.-Israel diplomacy and the peace process:

"What started off as an internal, domestic disagreement within the Israeli government has turned into an unnecessary international dispute complicated by some undiplomatic language from U.S. administration officials. Opponents of peace, nations and terrorist organizations that wish to do harm to Israel will always seize an opportunity to create a wedge between our nation and Israel. They seek comfort watching these recent events unfold. To give our enemies the false impression that the United States and Israel disagree on fundamental issues within the region sets the peace process back. I urge restraint and a resumption of talks that result in a lasting peace that ensures Israel's security," said Meek.

Rep. Janet Cruz Files HB925 -- Breast Cancer Early Detection & Treatment

State Representative Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) has filed House Bill 925, a bill that would require that breast cancer public education, outreach initiative and professional education programs use guidelines established by the American Cancer Society. The change in guidelines is necessitated by the controversial action of the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) on Nov. 16, 2009. The task force changed its recommendation for mammography screenings from once every 1 to 2 years for women 40 years or older to a recommendation against routine breast cancer screening for women under the age of 50.

“Scientific studies strongly support the lifesaving benefits of routine mammography screening for women between the ages of 40 and 50,” said Representative Cruz. “I believe that this legislation will help to save the lives of women in that age group.”

The American Cancer Society and countless other medical, public health, and breast cancer advocacy organizations recommend regular mammography screenings based primarily on the published evidence from international prospective randomized clinical trials. These trials are regularly re-analyzed, especially those that continue to follow the patients in the studies. When these studies are combined, it was found that mammography reduced breast cancer mortality by at least 15 to 20 percent for women ages 40 to 49 as well as for women ages 50 and older. Some individual studies demonstrated mortality reductions of 30 percent or greater for women in their 40s and women 50 and above.

Representative Cruz’s House Bill 925 is awaiting its first hearing in the Health Care Regulation Policy Committee.

Mommy Bomb

From Heather Beaven:

Dear Friend,

Mommies are the bomb. We work. We volunteer. We take care of our families, and in some cases we run for office. I certainly couldn't do any of this without my uber-supportive husband, Douglas. But I am going to have to try.

Douglas serves his Country in the Army Reserves, and Uncle Sam has called on him to train at Ft. Hunter-Liggett in California. For the next month, I will get a very small taste of what thousands of military families go through every day; and like them, I am going to need your support.

John Mica has a bevy of paid staffers to organize his day, raise money for him, drive him around town, and make sure his bills are paid. That's not my reality. As my husband serves his Country, our family must assume his duties here at home.

While we gladly support Douglas and his call to duty, doing so means that Beaven for Seven could fall behind our fundraising goals.

So here is how you can help - participate in the world's first MOMMY BOMB.

We're asking all of our supporters to help this "Mommy in distress" by making a contribution in the next 79 hours. Anything you can contribute – even if it is a single dollar – will help. If everyone does, the result of all your small and large contributions coming in at once will be explosive: a Mommy Bomb!

But it will only work if you - yes, you - participate.

Will you help? Click here to contribute now. Don't wait, the Mommy Bomb ends in 79 hours.

Sincerely,
Heather Beaven

P.S. Please help me keep up with Mica. Click here to help us do that by contributing $25, $50, $100 or more online today!

ABOUT HEATHER BEAVEN

Heather is a Mom, Wife, Navy Veteran (who served during Operation Desert Storm) and CEO of The Foundation for Florida's Graduates. The Foundation focuses on bringing education, workforce development and economic development together to help young people better themselves through education and personal responsibility.

Link

Kendrick Meek Meets with Hispanic Supporters in Kissimmee, Launches Grassroots Network La Comunidad Hispana Con Meek

Kendrick Meek and Hispanic community members met today in Kissimmee to launch a new grassroots group of supporters called "La Comunidad Hispana Con Meek."

"We are focused on reaching out to Floridians from all communities, to listen to their concerns and respond with solutions. Hispanics in central Florida expect elected leaders to bring new jobs home, and that is my focus for hardworking families in this area and throughout Florida. We know how hard the Hispanic community in Florida is working, and families are not enjoying the rewards of this increased effort. My fight is for the everyday people of our state, and against the powerful who put the status quo ahead of us," said Kendrick Meek, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

Kendrick and area supporters met to launch "La Comunidad Hispana Con Meek" at Nuevo Sabor Dominicano Restaurant in Kissimmee this afternoon.

Kendrick will be in Miami this Sunday at Little Havana's Calle Ocho Festival alongside grassroots campaign supporters and volunteers collecting petitions for the campaign's historic petition drive. This will be the first campaign in statewide history to collect over 112,476 petitions helping Kendrick qualify for the ballot by petition.

Rep. Keith Fitzgerald Statement Regarding Clean Energy and Weatherization Legislation

State Representative Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) today commended the introduction of clean energy and weatherization legislation by the House Energy & Utilities Policy Committee and Chairman Stephen Precourt. The legislation allows local governments to issue loans to property owners to finance energy efficiency and weatherization improvements for their properties.

“I am pleased to see that Chair Precourt and the Energy & Utilities Policy Committee have proposed legislation that will make it easier for homeowners and businesses to finance important energy efficiency and weatherization improvements for their properties,” said Representative Fitzgerald.

“The legislation provides an important opportunity to create jobs in Florida and will give property owners relief on their utility bills and insurance premiums,” Representative Fitzgerald added. “I have been following this issue closely for some time, and rather than file my own legislation, I am thrilled to help Chair Precourt advance this committee bill with bipartisan support.”

Military Impersonation Bill Earns Unanimous Passage Through Senate Committee

From the Senate Democrats:

Landmark legislation sponsored by Senator Dan Gelber (D-Miami Beach) fighting impersonation of military veterans was unanimously passed by the Senate Commerce Committee on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1824 – which earned a 10-0 vote in the committee – would make it a felony to misrepresent oneself as a veteran or member of the U.S. Armed Forces in order to collect donations from the public. In many of Florida’s major cities, paid solicitors are dressed in military combat uniforms and stationed on street corners and at retail stores, asking motorists and shoppers for contributions.

“This is a critical first step towards passage, and I thank my colleagues for joining me in standing up for our veterans all across Florida,” said Senator Gelber. “The unanimous vote just goes to show that impersonating our veterans for personal enrichment won’t be tolerated.”

The bill next heads to the Senate Criminal Justice Committee for a hearing.

Senator Justice Passes Consumer Protection Legislation Through First Committee

Floridians who sign up for service contracts for magazines, pest control services or even alarm companies – but unwittingly find themselves automatically committed to long term contracts - would gain new protections under legislation sponsored by Senator Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg).

Senate Bill 1332, which unanimously passed its first legislative hearing on Wednesday in the Senate Commerce Committee, will require service contract providers to notify customers of upcoming automatic contract renewals.

“This bill is about consumer awareness and good business practices.” Senator Justice said. “Everyone has a story of a service contract that automatically renewed because they didn’t understand the cancelation requirements. If a consumer decides to extend a contract, it should be solely because of the product’s merit, not the ability of the company to dupe the consumer.”

There have been many reported incidences across the state of automatic service contract renewals negatively affecting many Floridians, especially our most vulnerable, who live on fixed incomes and may not be aware of the procedures to cancel a contract. Many other states have laws regulating automatic service renewal clauses, including New York and Illinois which require notification.

“This is good legislation that is being done for the right reasons. I look forward to continued support from my colleagues on this bill.” Senator Justice said.

The next stop for Senate Bill 1332 is the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. The bill is being sponsored in the House by Representative Charles McBurney (R- Jacksonville).

Kendrick Meek's Statement on Florida's Unemployment Rate

U.S. Democratic Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek responded to today's announcement by the Florida Agency of Workforce Innovation that Florida's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose to 11.9 percent in January.

"As the rest of the nation emerges from the economic downturn, Florida is being left behind. Floridians are hearing about recovery, but we're not seeing it. Floridians in every community I visit expect leadership from public servants and my focus is on creating new, long-term, sustainable jobs for Florida. Our economy will not fully prosper while politicians continue to preach ideology at the expense of pursuing sound public policy. Today's unemployment rate serves as a sobering reminder that our families and communities require hands on leaders who work hard for their interests and against the status quo who put the powerful first."

Kendrick Meek's Statement on Florida's Unemployment Rate

U.S. Democratic Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek responded to today's announcement by the Florida Agency of Workforce Innovation that Florida's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate rose to 11.9 percent in January.


"As the rest of the nation emerges from the economic downturn, Florida is being left behind. Floridians are hearing about recovery, but we're not seeing it. Floridians in every community I visit expect leadership from public servants and my focus is on creating new, long-term, sustainable jobs for Florida. Our economy will not fully prosper while politicians continue to preach ideology at the expense of pursuing sound public policy. Today's unemployment rate serves as a sobering reminder that our families and communities require hands on leaders who work hard for their interests and against the status quo who put the powerful first."

One Week after the State of the State Address, Florida's Economic Woes Continue to Mount

Since the State of the State address was delivered last week, news articles and economic data point to a worsening of Florida's economy, noted Kendrick Meek.

"States are beginning to emerge from this economic downturn, while Florida is being left behind. Floridians are hearing about economic recovery, but we are not seeing it. Our families are struggling, paying the price for other people's recklessness, and relief is nowhere in sight. Failed policies in Tallahassee and Washington, DC that took root over the last decade have left many of our communities broken. My fight is against this status quo that got us into this mess in the first place. Sustainable, long term job creation is what Floridians want and I am working tirelessly so that the problems we are seeing today will never be repeated again," said Kendrick Meek, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

Over the last week since the State of the State address was delivered, Floridians have read and learned about the following issues:

St. Petersburg Times- "Florida slow to spend federal grant money to refurbish housing"

http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/florida-slow-to-spend-federal-grant-money-to-refurbish-housing/1077785

Orlando Sentinel- "Office that handles jobless benefits in Florida not meeting standards"

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/os-jobless-checks-delays-20100307,0,10463.story

South Florida Sun-Sentinel- "2.5 million Floridians on food stamps"

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-03-08/news/fl-food-stamps-record-20100308_1_food-stamps-don-winstead-canned

Fort Myers News-Press- "Florida fails to get its fair share of census aid"
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2010100308061

Representative Kevin Rader and Senator Ted Deutch File Legislation Against Nuclear Iran

Representative Kevin J. G. Rader (D-Delray Beach) and Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and have introduced bills that seek to preclude companies that conduct business in Iran from receiving Florida taxpayer funds in the form of state government contracts.

“With a deep concern about nuclear weapons development and political tensions in The Middle East, I believe it is our responsibility, as leaders in the State of Florida, to stand up to businesses that are directly assisting a nuclear Iran,” said Representative Rader.

House Bill 743 and Senate Bill 2520 will prevent any company that does business with Iran or other business entities doing business in Iran from receiving Florida taxpayer funds in the form of contracts or purchasing agreements for commodities or contractual services. The state bills are based on the Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act that was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in October 2009.

The current Rader/Deutch legislation is modeled on the federal “Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act” or “ABC Iran Act,” introduced by U.S. Representatives Ron Klein and John Mica in the United States House. With passage of this legislation, businesses will be forced to decide whether they want to continue to do business with the State of Florida or with Iran.

For a timeline demonstrating Iran’s nuclear non-compliance, please visit the following website:

http://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/sites/default/files/Iran_and_Nuclear_NonCompliance_A_Timeline.pdf

Senator Ted Deutch Introduces New Legislation, Presses on State of Florida to Prevent Taxpayer Dollars from Supporting Iran

State Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) is introducing new vital legislation and stepping up pressure on the State of Florida to restrict taxpayer funding for corporations doing business with Iran. The timeliness of Senator Deutch’s efforts is bolstered by a newly released report from The New York Times detailing how the federal government has awarded over $107 billion within the past decade to companies engaged in business with Iran. Included in that $107 billion is $15 billion for companies that financially support Iran’s energy sector – a direct violation of U.S. sanctions law.

Senator Deutch’s newly introduced legislation, co-sponsored by Representative Kevin Rader in the Florida House, prevents state agencies from entering into, awarding, or renewing a contract with any company doing business, either directly or indirectly, with Iran. SB 2520 is modeled on Congressman Ron Klein’s federal legislation, “The Accountability for Business Choices in Iran Act,” a measure praised by Senator Deutch.

“The fact that the United States government has provided American tax dollars to companies that directly support the Iranian nuclear program is illogical, immoral, and a direct affront to the security interests of our nation and of our allies, including Israel,” said Senator Deutch. “Florida need not stand by while the federal government fails to enforce serious economic sanctions on Iran. Just this week, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called the 9/11 attacks on America a lie, and he shows no signs of retreating from his previous call to wipe Israel off the map. Iran is sliding towards a military dictatorship built on defiance of the international community and the oppression of its own people, and Florida taxpayers have no interest in financially supporting this dangerous regime.”

In congruence with his legislative efforts, Senator Deutch is pressing the State of Florida to ensure taxpayers are not supporting the Iranian regime. Senator Deutch has sent a letter to Governor Charlie Crist, following up on his previous request that the Governor halt Vitol, formerly Iran’s largest supplier of refined petroleum, from using public funds to open a terminal at Florida’s Port Canaveral. He also urges the Governor to review all current state contracts and refuse any new state contracts with companies under scrutiny by the federal government for supporting Iran.

Senator Deutch has also sent a letter to Ash Williams, Executive Director of the State Board of Administration, urging him to expedite the availability of a terror-free retirement option for Florida workers. In his letter, Senator Deutch emphasizes the fact that legislation signed into law last year by Governor Crist requires this terror-free option to be available by March 1, 2010.

Both of Senator Deutch’s letters are attached to this release.

Senator Deutch is a leading voice on national security issues in the Florida State Senate. In 2007, he won national and international recognition for passing the "Protecting Florida's Investments Act," which made Florida the first state in the nation to divest pension funds from companies doing business with Iran and Sudan. Since its passage, Florida has divested over $1.2 billion from scrutinized companies, and nearly 20 state governments have followed Senator Deutch's lead by enacting similar legislation. Senator Deutch also passed legislation requiring Florida to offer investors in its state pension fund a terror free option that does not invest in Iran or Sudan.

Florida Democrats Slam Republicans On Attempts To Revive Leadership Slush Funds

The Florida Democratic Party today slammed efforts by Republicans, including Republican Party of Florida Chairman John Thrasher, to revive leadership slush funds, while Republican politicians are getting caught using the Republican Party as nothing more than an AmEx slush fund to live large.

"Over the past year, the Republican culture of corruption in Tallahassee has been exposed, as Floridians have learned about the GOP's AmEx slush funds, secret contracts and back room deals. With even Republicans alleging that the Republican Party has been nothing more than a corrupt criminal enterprise that has allowed Republicans like Speaker Marco Rubio, disgraced Speaker Ray Sansom, and Rep. Dean Cannon to live large on other people's money, our state's leaders should be working to clean up the Republican culture of corruption in Tallahassee. Yet, as Republican politicians move to revive leadership slush funds, which were banned twenty years ago to increase accountability, Floridians see that Republicans just don't get it," said Florida Democratic Party spokesman Eric Jotkoff.

"This fall Floridians are going to elect proven Democrat leaders to clean up Tallahassee, to restore faith that our state's government is working on their behalf, and to implement ethics reforms to increase transparency and accountability in government."

Senate Democrats Call "Transparency" Sales Pitch Smoke and Mirrors

Appalled by what they see as a blatant attempt at an end run around the public’s ability to track the influence of money in elections, Senate Democrats on Tuesday condemned Republican-led attempts to steamroll legislation resurrecting so-called “leadership funds.”

“This bill opens the floodgates to special interest money and the influence it buys,” said Senator Nan Rich (D-Weston), one of three Democrats to vote against SB 880 in the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee, and the incoming Senate Democratic Leader.

At issue is the attempt by bill proponents to market the legislation as greater “transparency.” While the legislation would enact new reporting requirements for Electioneering Communication Organizations, or ECO’s, as well as show how the leaders were raising money for their resurrected leadership funds, it would concentrate an enormous amount of power into the hands of just four individuals with direct control over the legislative process.

Legislative leaders’ fundraising prowess would also mean they could force lawmakers into line on key votes by threatening the use of those funds to influence political futures.

These funds would also allow legislative leaders to skirt contributions and spending requirements within the current 10-day reporting requirement, and make them subject to only quarterly disclosure requirements.

“Under current law, we have a faster ability to track who gives the money and where it ends up,” said Senator Arthenia Joyner (D-Tampa), who also voted against the bill. “This new bill can take the money on a last-minute scenic route you’d need a GPS device to follow.”

Senator Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg), the third Democrat to vote ‘no’ on the bill, agreed. “The last things we need are more campaign committees and more direct involvement from legislators on these committees. More money is not the answer for what troubles Florida’s campaign finance laws.”

“This isn’t power to the people. It’s power to the leader,” said Sen. Rich. “And even as someone who’s going to be the next Democratic leader and could potentially benefit from this newfound power, this is not a direction that benefits the people or the state.”

Kendrick Meek's Drive to Qualify for Ballot by Petition Enters Final Stage: Has Collected Petitions from All 67 Counties

U.S. Senate Candidate Kendrick Meek is entering the final stage of his history-making petition drive as his campaign nears the 112,476 signature threshold to qualify for the ballot. While most candidates simply write a check to get on the ballot, he will be the first statewide Florida candidate to qualify for the ballot by petition.

"Our petition drive is all about hard work and not taking the easy route. During these trying times, I am meeting with Floridians in their homes, at our neighborhood community centers and places of business. Everywhere I go, people are rejecting status quo politicians who cater to the powerful and have never rolled up their sleeves and worked a little harder to get things done. This petition effort has taken me throughout this state, and as we work hard to collect petitions from every Florida county, we will continue reaching out to everyday Floridians who have real concerns about their future," said Kendrick Meek, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate.

The Kendrick Meek for Florida Campaign is fast approaching the 112,476 petition threshold to qualify for the ballot. The Meek campaign has collected petitions in each of Florida's 67 counties with field staff stationed across the state.

Meek kicked-off his petition drive in April 2009. He last led a petition drive in 2002, collecting petitions from Florida voters allowing for an amendment to be placed on the ballot lowering class sizes in Florida's overcrowded classrooms. The petition effort was ultimately successful, and in turn Floridians voted to lower class sizes in November 2002.

Weekly Word - HYPOCRITE

From Jim Piccillo:

Greetings Friends and Supporters!

Thank you for taking a moment to read The Jim Piccillo for Congress campaign's Weekly Word. It's been an incredible week for the campaign and national politics. We hope you find the content of this newsletter useful and informative. Again, if we didn't address an area you are interested in, please call or email us. Your feedback is important to us! Click here to join the team.

On the Money

We are in the final stretch of the first quarter, which ends March 31st, and are diligently working toward our critical goal of raising $100,000 this quarter. Now is the time t0 donate; we need your support today! Please click here to help us reach this crucial milestone.

Jim and our team members have been busy on the phones, reaching out to supporters across the country, to show that this race MUST receive national attention and the seat be delivered back to the Democrats in November. The incumbent is heavily funded by greedy insurance and banking industry PACs. Take a look at her financial reports on the FEC website to see who she truly represents; it's crystal clear.

Community Outreach

Since our last 'Word', Team Piccillo has been attending events and continuing to spread the message of Common Sense for Congress. Last weekend, we had the privilege of addressing the Southwest Citrus Democrat Club and received a very warm response as well as many signed petitions. After our visit to Citrus County, we spent several hours in Hernando County at the annual Swamp Fest. Jim had the opportunity to speak with voters, hear their concerns, answer questions and get additional petitions signed! Jim will continue to tour the District, visiting with as many organizations, companies, businesses and Clubs over the course of the next eight months as possible, so he can learn what issues most affect the people of the 5th District.

This Saturday the 13th, Team Piccillo will be marching in the Zephyrhills Founder's Day Parade! Supporting victims of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault is very important to us. That being said, the team will be walking with the Sunrise Center of Pasco County in their "Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" group in a show of solidarity to raise awareness about gender violence. Jim Piccillo will be wearing heels, so that he can truly feel what it's like to walk a mile in a ladies shoes. Come out and walk with us for this worthy cause! Visit www.sunrisepasco.org to learn more.

Weekly Word: Pressing Issue

Just when you think you've heard, and seen, it all something happens that is just so shocking it stops you in your tracks. This is the pressing issue of this last week that had us all stunned. The incumbent in Florida's 5th District, "Ginny" Brown-Waite, this past week voted AGAINST the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act. This bill provides incentives to small businesses to hire people who are currently unemployed. While the partisan aspect of it is not surprising to any of us, the fact that she just a few weeks ago stated, "Government doesn't create jobs; small businesses do" and then voted against a bill that would help small businesses create jobs is what floored us. How completely hypocritical!

With an unemployment average of 14% in her District, it is unfathomable that she would vote against a measure that might actually HELP her constituents. After all, she's held a government created job for decades, she thinks she has job security. Click here to help us send this hypocrite packing!

Spreading the Message

We MUST continue the fight to lift the 5th District in Florida back to the glory of the good old days; significantly lower unemployment, generate small business growth and ensure stability to those who have been hardest hit by these tough economic times. The time to get involved is NOW. The most important part of any campaign is the people who volunteer. Sign up to contribute, canvass, phone bank, send literature and spread the word by sending this email to five (5) people you know. Walk with Jim side-by-side on this journey. Please visit jimpiccillo.com to sign up to contribute, host a house party or just volunteer your time to help bring common sense back to Congress.

Yours in service,
Team Piccillo

State Representative Janet Cruz Hits The Ground Running

Newly elected State Representative Janet Cruz (D-Tampa) has completed her first week in office as the newest member of the Florida Legislature. Since her special election victory on February 23, Representative Cruz has hired staff, opened her district office, filed all six of her allotted bills, received her committee assignments, met with her constituents, and traveled to Tallahassee for the Opening Day Session of the Florida Legislature where she was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Barbara Pariente.

“I basically had to accomplish in one week in Tallahassee what might normally take four months,” said Representative Cruz.

Representative Cruz will have her work cut out for her over the next two months as lawmakers grapple with the State’s budget and legislation aimed at revitalizing Florida’s sluggish economy.

“I don’t plan to let up until we bring much needed-relief to Florida’s citizens who are struggling with this economic turmoil,” she said.

Representative Janet Cruz’s 2010 Committee Assignments
Elder & Family Services Policy Committee
Government Operations Appropriations Committee
Governmental Affairs Policy Committee

Representative Janet Cruz’s 2010 Bills
HB 925 Breast Cancer Early Detection and Treatment Referral Program
HB 1493 Career Offenders
HB 1495 Consumer Protection
HB 1497 Civil Citations
HB 1603 Florida State Employees' Charitable Campaign
HB 1623 Employment Discrimination

Thurman Demands Accountability By Filing Election Commission Complaint Against Republican Party of Florida

Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman filed a complaint today with the Florida Elections Commission, asking the Commission to hold the Republican Party of Florida accountable for not fully disclosing their finances as required by Florida law.

"With Governor Charlie Crist and Attorney General Bill McCollum ducking their responsibilities in order to protect their political cronies and keep their backroom deals at the Republican Party secret, it is now up to all Floridians to demand accountability to clean up the Republican culture of corruption in Tallahassee. Today, I asked the Florida Elections Commission to investigate the fact that the Republican Party of Florida has failed to follow Florida's election laws by not fully disclosing their finances," said Chair Thurman.

Over the past year, the Republican Party of Florida has been marred by scandal and controversy over a host of issues that stem from the misuse of RPOF AmEx cards issued to dozens of Republican politicians including U.S. Senate Candidate Marco Rubio, Republican Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, Senate President Jeff Atwater, and many others.

Despite repeated calls from Florida's Editorial Boards, Republican Party leaders, and citizens across Florida, the RPOF has refused to disclose their AmEx statements.

This scandal has played a major role in the indictment and later the resignation of disgraced Speaker Ray Sansom, as well as the ouster to Republican Party of Florida Chairman Jim Greer. As Sansom's mentor, Marco Rubio is one of the many Republican leaders who have been wounded by this scandal, when his RPOF AmEx card statements were leaked to the Miami Herald/St. Petersburg Times, showing Rubio used the GOP's credit card to pay for a $134 haircut, to fix his families mini-van and other personal expenses.

The Republican Party of Florida's skirting of campaign finance laws appear to be an attempt to hide the secret deals, excessive spending, and the millions of dollars Republican politicians charged to the Republican Party AmEx slush fund, which they used to live large on other people's money. Had the RPOF followed Florida's campaign finance laws for instance, the secret contract with former RPOF Executive Director Delmar Johnson would have been discovered even earlier.

Specifically Thurman's complaints against the RPOF, former Chairman Jim Greer, and Treasurer Joel Pate states:

Section 106.29, Florida Statutes, requires that the state executive committee and each county executive committee of each political party regulated by Chapter 103, Florida Statutes, shall file regular reports with the Division of Elections of all contributions received and all expenditures made by such committee.

The Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) has failed to include all contributions and all expenditures on reports that it has filed with the Division of Elections.

The RPOF failed to include on its reports filed with the Division of Elections contributions and expenditures that are included on reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission. Florida law contains no exemption permitting the RPOF to exclude from its reports filed with contributions and expenditures included on reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission; nor is the language of Section 106.29, Florida Statutes, limited

In the current cycle, the RPOF has reported to the Federal Elections Commission receiving $6,481,469 and expending $6,896,984. In the 2007-2008, election cycle, the RPOF has reported to the Federal Elections Commission receiving $34,416,232 and expending $34,434,621. [See attached Federal Election Commission summary reports for 2007-2008 and 2009-2010.] These contributions and expenditures have not been included on its reports of all contributions received and all expenditures made as required by Section 106.29, Florida Statutes, that are filed with Division of Elections.

Included herewith are copies of the RPOF state reports from April 2007 forward and federal reports from 2008 forward.

The RPOF, its chairman and its treasurer, have violated Section 106.29(1), Florida Statutes, by failing to file reports with the Division of Elections of all contributions received and all expenditures made by the RPOF.

The RPOF, its chairman and its treasurer, have violated Section 106.19(1)(b), Florida Statutes, by failing to report contributions required to be reported by Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.

The RPOF, its chairman and its treasurer, have violated Section 106.19(1)(c), Florida Statutes, by failing to include information in its campaign treasurer reports filed with Division of Elections required by Chapter 106, Florida Statutes.

The two faces of transparency

From Loranne Ausley:

Floridians are witnessing the height of two-faced hypocrisy.

The first face…The face they want you to see: The leaders of the Republican Party of Florida rail on about public accountability, responsibility, and transparency.

The second face…The face they try to hide: These same so-called leaders have been knee-deep in the cover up of campaign expenditures; expenditures that are governed by state law and supposed to be used for very specific purposes. The excuses for a blatant lack of transparency and accountability run the gamut from “not my job” to “not my card.”



How can anyone claim the mantle of public watchdog when they are unwilling to take a strong stand on hidden contracts, outrageous expenditures, lavish spending and irresponsible use of campaign dollars?

How can anyone speak about a “record of integrity” while, at the same time, be in the middle of a massive cover up within their own ranks.

All of our leaders, Republican and Democrats, need to have one face when it comes to transparency, public spending and the misuse of campaign dollars.

If you are looking for a leader who will watch every penny – and every dollar – and tell it to you straight, look no further. If you are fed up with the games being played in the Capitol and are ready for a candidate who understands that transparency starts with our own accounts, you have found the right campaign. My record of standing up for Florida taxpayers is strong – and it is consistent.

When I say “transparent,” I mean it. When I say “responsible and accountable,” I mean it. And, when I say I will fight to protect every one of your dollars, I mean that too!

Please join us today and help put an end to two-faced politicians, join our team today by making even a small donation of $10, $25, or $100 dollars.

Thank you,

Loranne Ausley

Link

Rep. Grayson Has Huge Lead in Republican Primary

No, that's not a typo. According to a poll of registered Republicans last week, Congressman Alan Grayson has an enormous lead in the Republican primary for Florida Congressional District 8 (FL-8).

Of course, Grayson is a Democrat. Yet Grayson is far and away the leading choice among registered Republicans in FL-8. In fact, he has almost twice as much support among Republicans as all his Republican opponents combined.

In the poll, Grayson won the support of 27.8% of registered Republicans. None of Grayson's 13 opponents scored higher than 3.7%. Their combined performance was only 14.5%. The remaining 57.7% of registered Republicans were undecided.

30.1% of registered Republican women support Grayson. And Grayson has the support of 25.5% of registered Republican men.

Grayson also has an enormous lead in name recognition. 76.9% of Republicans know Grayson; none of his opponents scored higher than 15.1%. 81.4% of Republican men know Grayson, and 72.4% of Republican women know him.

Grayson received high marks from Republicans for his Constitution initiative. Over half of all Republicans said that they were more likely to vote for Grayson because he passed a resolution urging high schools to teach the Constitution, and he had distributed tens of thousands of copies of the Constitution throughout the district.

Interestingly, Grayson is more popular among Republicans than Republican Governor Charlie Crist is. 42% of Republicans have an unfavorable opinion of Crist, far more than those who have an unfavorable opinion of Grayson.

Asked to comment, Congressman Grayson said, "it's like I've been saying: People like a Congressman with guts. They want someone who works hard, pays attention, and gets things done. For goodness sake, we increased federal competitive grants in this district by 98% in our first year. That extra $100 million benefits Republicans, Independents and Democrats equally. People of every political persuasion want to see action to help solve their problems, and that's what they're seeing from us."

When asked if he might run in the Republican primary, Grayson said, "as this poll shows, if I did, then I would win."

The poll was conducted on Feb. 26th. There were 324 respondents, all registered Republicans in FL-8. The margin of error was 5%. The poll was conducted by Middleton Market Research.

Link

Statement Concerning Initial Budget Allocations -- House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands

House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands today offered the following statement concerning House Speaker Larry Cretul’s “Initial Budget Allocations” memorandum to members of the Florida House of Representatives:

“Speaker Cretul is to be commended for outlining allocation strategies and guiding principles that House budget committees can follow as they draft a new state spending plan for Florida.

“I am hopeful that his No. 1 guiding principle of `no new or increased fees or taxes’ will result in what Florida House Democrats’ support: real and immediate relief to the people who drive Florida’s economy. Protecting small businesses and the middle class during these tough economic times is a high priority for Florida House Democratic Caucus members.

“Today, I urge House Republican leaders to address Speaker Cretul’s goal by giving full consideration to proposed legislation that would close unnecessary tax loopholes, as well as bills that would clamp down on fraud and abuse in state spending.

“Florida House Democrats are proud to have introduced several bills that will promote a better, brighter financial future for Florida, and which deserve full consideration during the 2010 legislative session. Florida House Democrats stand ready to work with willing Republican partners to advance legislation to improve the lives of Floridians.”

Civil Rights Hall of Fame -- Legislation Sponsored by Rep. Alan Williams & Sen. Tony Hill, Sr.

Representative Alan B. Williams (D-Tallahassee) and Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill Sr. (D-Jacksonville) are sponsoring House Bill 523 and Senate Bill 1354, respectively, during the 2010 session to establish a Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.

“The Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame is long overdue for those nameless and faceless individuals who have made it possible for many to enjoy the quality of life that we do today,” said Senator Hill. “This legislation is one way of saluting them for their courageous spirit.”

The bill will require the Florida Commission on Human Relations to make recommendations to the governor for members to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. HB 523 would pay tribute to Florida’s citizens who fought for progress in acquiring equal rights for all our state’s citizens.

“We should honor the contributions of Florida’s leaders in the field of civil rights,” said Representative Williams. “I hope that my colleagues in the Legislature will join me in passing this important legislation to ensure that the hard work of these visionaries is given the recognition that it deserves. Our state will benefit tremendously as we remember those who lead the way for us to be where we are today.”