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.