U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek In Support of the American Clean Energy and Security

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) submitted the following statement to the Congressional Record after voting in support of the American Clean Energy and Security Act:

“I stand for the creation of new American jobs, for less dependence on foreign energy, and for a reduction in the carbon pollution that causes global warming.

“This bill is about national security, creating jobs in a new energy economy, and defending consumers through a fiscally responsible bill with consumer protections.

“These investments will also spur new jobs. The Political Economy Research Institute estimates that 3.5 jobs will be created in the new green job sector for every 1 job that is fossil fuel source based in Florida. This could mean over 94,000 jobs in Florida alone.”

“Too often our foreign policy decisions are affected by the regional stability of oil producing countries. In Iraq we are paying for our oil-centric obsession and Floridians have paid over $37 billion for the war there. This legislation offers incentives that promote energy efficiency and that will break our addiction to foreign oil. We must focus on research and development for green technologies and end the obsession with crude oil that is fueling too much of our economy.

“The bill is not perfect – few landmark bills are. But we cannot wait to act on climate change legislation. Florida is already experiencing eroding shorelines, flooding and dying coral reefs. In particular, the Everglades face severely altered water flows and harmful invasive species. This will also have a devastating impact on Florida’s economy. In 2007, tourists flocking to Florida’s beaches and other priceless environmental areas spent over $65 billion in Florida.

“Without aggressively capping carbon emissions, the earth’s temperature will continue to rise, causing more extreme storms and altered ocean conditions which will have a devastating effect on Florida’s ecosystem.

“The American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES) works to minimize price increases for consumers. On average the EPA estimates that this bill will cost an average household $98 to $140 per year in price increases, while holding those in the lowest income quintile harmless.

“Without carbon emissions caps, we have seen energy prices fluctuate drastically. By regulating carbon intensive goods and creating a transparent market this bill will help to stabilize those prices and help protect consumers.

“By investing in conservation, efficiency and renewables, Florida residents will see lower costs in energy though building weatherization improvement benefits, and energy efficiency savings.

House Democratic Leader Statement Regarding Special Investigator Findings

From the House Dems:

Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement that Stephen Kahn, a special investigator for the Florida House of Representatives, has found probable cause to believe that Representative Ray Sansom, a Destin Republican, violated the House Code of Conduct.

“I am saddened by House Special Investigator Stephen Kahn’s findings that Representative Ray Sansom, a Destin Republican, may have abused his public office and violated ethics guidelines. Along with other legislators and many Florida citizens, I am eager to learn more about the findings of the various authorities who are officially investigating the representative’s alleged misconduct.

“As such, I look forward to reviewing any findings and recommendations of the House Select Committee on Standards of Official Conduct that has been appointed to review allegations concerning Representative Sansom.

“As elected officials, it is of the utmost importance that we conduct ourselves in a manner that not only meets that which is required by law but exceeds the public’s highest expectations.”

Floridian Featured In OFA Web Video

Today, Organizing for America released “Denied,” the next in its series of “The Faces of Health Care Reform” web videos. The piece features Lisa Smith of Lake Worth, FL explaining how she lost her insurance when she lost her job and then was denied coverage by private insurers because of a preexisting condition. OFA, a project of the Democratic National Committee, has collected hundreds of thousands of personal health care stories over the last several weeks. OFA plans to release additional web videos that highlight personal health care stories as the debate over reform continues in Congress.

Lisa Smith of Fort Lake, FL has hydrocephalus – or water on the brain – and several other health ailments that require regular monitoring and care. Like millions of Americans, when Lisa lost her job, she also lost her health insurance. Lisa was unable to afford COBRA, but when she called around to inquire about coverage from private insurers she was categorically denied. “As soon as I told them about my situation,” Lisa says, they said “forget it; they absolutely wouldn’t even go any further.”

Without insurance, Lisa can’t afford her monthly prescriptions (which cost about $800) or the regular tests and doctors visits that help keep her healthy and able to function normally. Lisa has a shunt that drains the water from her brain to her abdomen. With regular checkups, it’s easier to control her condition; but without those visits, Lisa is forced to wait until her situation is dire enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. “Without regular monitoring I run a real risk of something serious happening and that scares me,” Lisa says.

“Like millions of other Americans, Lisa has a serious health condition that can be managed with regular care and medication,” said Mitch Stewart, the Director of Organizing for America. “But without insurance, Lisa can’t afford that regular care, so she’s forced to rely on emergency room visits, which is ultimately less effective and more expensive. Unfortunately, her story is indicative of what’s wrong with our broken system – we must reform our system to lower costs, increase access and protect patient choice.”

Organizing for America has collected hundreds of thousands of personal health care stories. The grassroots effort is building support in communities across the country for a plan that adheres to President Obama’s three principles for reform: lowering costs, preserving patient choice and increasing access to quality care. Tens of thousands of people in all 50 states participated in OFA’s June 6th Health Care Kickoff events, where attendees shared their stories, talked about the President’s principles for reform and started to plan activities in their own communities. This Saturday, June 27th OFA is organizing a national Health Care Day of Service. Earlier this week, OFA launched Health Care Stories for America an innovative online tool where hundreds of thousands of genuine health care stories can be shared, found and read, by city and state, from all across the country.

Watch Lisa Smith’s story: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oxScKmfr38

EMILY’s List Announces Endorsement of Alex Sink for Governor of Florida and Diane Denish for Governor of New Mexico

EMILY’s List, the nation’s largest financial resource for women candidates, today announced its endorsement of Alex Sink for Governor of Florida and Diane Denish for Governor of New Mexico.

On Alex Sink:
“Florida is ready for a fresh start, and there is no better candidate for the job than Alex Sink. A proven leader and advocate for Florida families, Sink is extremely qualified to serve as Florida’s chief executive,” said Ellen R. Malcolm, president of EMILY’s List. “Demanding accountability in state government, Alex has earned a strong reputation as a watchdog for Florida consumers and taxpayers. Her vast experience and business acumen make her an ideal candidate for governor during these challenging economic times. EMILY’s List looks forward to helping to elect Alex Sink as Florida’s first woman governor.”

As Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Alex Sink has worked tirelessly to take on special interests, cut wasteful spending and restore government accountability. A dedicated advocate for Florida consumers, Sink has launched programs such as Florida’s Housing Help Initiative, which provides assistance to Floridians facing mortgage foreclosure, and the Safeguard Our Seniors Task Force, created to protect older Floridians from financial fraud. As CFO, Sink oversees thousands of employees and an annual budget of $300 million in Florida’s Department of Financial Services.

Sink was elected in 2006 after nearly three decades in the business world where she rose to be a widely respected chief executive. She is currently one of only two Democrats elected statewide in Florida. EMILY’s List backed Sink in her 2006 campaign and supported her through our Political Opportunity Program (POP) that helps women win down-ballot and state legislative races. When elected, Sink will become Florida’s first woman governor.

Betty Castor: "I endorse Dan Gelber for AG"

Friends,

More than ever, Florida needs real leadership. That is why I am proud to endorse Dan Gelber for Attorney General.

For as long as I've known Dan, he has been one of the most effective voices for the issues we care about. Whether it’s public education, health care for children, or standing up for consumers – Dan has been out front, and leading the charge.

His passion to stand up for change is what we desperately need in Tallahassee. But he needs your help to get there. With the end of the second fundraising quarter approaching, we need to help Dan raise as much money as possible in the next week.

Please join me by contributing to Dan’s campaign.

I know what it takes to be an effective member of the Florida Cabinet, and Dan has the experience necessary to hit the ground running from day one in Tallahassee.

Please join our effort by making a contribution today.

Betty Castor

Senator Justice and Governor Crist Hold Ceremonial Bill Signing for the Firefighter Memorial Flag

From the Senate Dems:

Senator Charlie Justice (D-St. Petersburg), along with Governor Charlie Crist and Representative Bill Heller (D- St. Petersburg) joined firefighters from across Pinellas County today for the ceremonial bill signing of Senate Bill 198 creating the official Fallen Firefighter Memorial Flag.

“This flag is tribute to the 144 brave men and women who have given their lives protecting their communities,” said Senator Justice. “It is a small but very important act creating this testament to their sacrifice.”

The idea for a Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial Flag was originally brought to Senator Justice by Oldsmar Fire Rescue Chief, Scott McGuff. A statewide call for designs generated hundreds of ideas. The official design was created by Firefighter Rick Weschler of the Palm Harbor Fire Rescue. The flag will be displayed at funerals and memorials for fallen firefighters, at fire stations, at the official Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Ocala, FL, as well as any other location designated by the State Fire Marshal. Chief McGuff and Firefighter Weschler were recognized at the ceremony for their contribution.

“I cannot tell you how honored I am to help facilitate the creation of this flag. I’m proud that it was a local initiative from my district that made it happen,” Senator Justice added.

Representative Rehwinkel Vasilinda Announces Launch of Film and Entertainment Caucus

From the House Dems:

Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-09) celebrated Florida’s film industry this week at the Film Florida Annual Meeting in Miami Beach and announced one of her initiatives to be launched this fall, the Florida Film and Entertainment Caucus.

“As we look for ways to encourage and enhance business development in this troubling economy and build a strong foundation for Florida's future, the film and entertainment industry is a terrific fit,” said Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda. “Florida is poised to be a leader in this green, creative and economically resilient industry. Florida had a significant history in the booming motion picture business in Jacksonville during the early 1900s. We can reclaim this lush and vibrant economic territory and compete for the millions of dollars that are now pouring into other economies.”

In anticipation of an even tougher legislative session in 2010, Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda is organizing a bipartisan group of legislators from both chambers who want to play a role in encouraging and enhancing the industry through legislation. Collaborating with Film Florida (www.filmflorida.org), a not-for–profit association that provides a leadership role in Florida’s film, music and entertainment industries, and the Governor’s Office for Film and Entertainment (www.filminflorida.com), the Florida Film and Entertainment Caucus also will help to educate Members and the public about the significant economic development opportunities, as well as determine the best ways to encourage and nurture the growth of all aspects of the industry in Florida.

Florida’s Film Commissioner Lucia Fishburne, who heads the Governor’s Office of Film and Entertainment, agrees that the state can do more. “Florida can take a larger share of the U.S. film, music and entertainment business by providing more competitive incentives to attract more projects. The Florida Film and Entertainment Caucus can be instrumental in developing and moving a policy agenda that helps Florida become a greater player in the film industry,” said Fishburne.

“I have met many producers, directors and other professionals from the film industry who share the same vision about Florida’s tremendous potential to become one of the lead states to attract production projects,” said Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda. “My hope is that the Film and Entertainment Caucus will help make this vision possible, along with the help of the other mechanisms already in place such as Film Florida.”

Filmmaker and producer William Grefe, best known for building the low budget action/thriller exploitation genre and whose career spans five decades and over a dozen features (almost all filmed in Florida) was one of several industry professionals with whom Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda shared her initiative during the Film Florida annual meeting this week. Grefe was honored Tuesday with the distinguished Legends Award for his accomplishments in the industry, joining industry icons Errol Falcon, Michelle Marx and Michael McGowan, Sr.

“Representative Rehwinkel Vasilinda’s plan to form the Florida Film and Entertainment Caucus, is most welcome in the film community. Our government officials and the general public must be made aware of the countless millions of dollars the entertainment industry could provide to Florida's economy,” Grefe said.

“For Florida to move boldly into a strong economic recovery and ensure a strong and sustainable economic future, the motion picture industry should be a vibrant part of our industry mix. Film, music, television, internet content, and games are green economic development and encourage the kind of innovation and creativity we need in order to make Florida excellent,” said Rehwinkel Vasilinda.

All members of the Florida House and Senate received an invitation from Rep. Rehwinkel Vasilinda this week to join the Film and Entertainment Caucus, scheduled to be launched later this fall. Governor Charlie Crist and Lt. Governor Kottkamp have been big supporters of the film, music and entertainment industry and have been invited to attend the launch as well.