Issues
CIVIC Concern brings together state and national experts to develop workable solutions to the challenges facing Florida. Working with issue-area experts, elected officials and concerned citizens, CIVIC drives state policy changes that improve the quality of life for all Floridians.
Here, you can find information about critical issue areas and CIVIC's policy proposals. You'll also find specific actions you can take to make your voice heard and make a difference.
Sign up in the box to the right to receive updates and to be notified of actions you can take when they'll matter most. Check back often for new issue areas and more ways to get involved.
2010 Education Legislation:
The Bad, the Ugly and Not Much Good
Legislative leadership is rushing a series of bills through the process that would dramatically change Florida's public schools. Many of the measures are being harshly criticized as dangerous, overbroad, and detrimental. Learn more, and find out how to take action.
The Push for New Oil Drilling Off Florida's Coast
The oil and natural gas industries have mounted a huge push for new Gulf oil drilling off Florida's coast at both the federal and state levels. Learn about the pros and cons of the issue, what's happening in Congress and the State Legislature, and how you can take action.
Excellence in Education Now
More than a decade after voters approved a constitutional amendment imposing a "paramount duty" on the state to provide a high-quality education to all Florida students, Florida's schools are still failing our children. A parent coalition has filed a lawsuit to force state leaders to meet their constitutional duty.
2009 Proposed Legislation Would Gut Florida's Growth Managment Process
A group of bills with strong support in the legislature would dismantle the state's growth management agency, and reduce restrictions on developers. They would even eliminate impact fees that ensure sufficient infrastructure like schools and roads, and make it easier to fill wetlands.
Is the Integrity of Florida's Judicial Nominating Process in Question?
Florida's judicial nominating process has come under sharp criticism for being overly partisan and political. Learn about the history, proposed reforms, and how you can take action.
CIVIC Education 101
Need to know how to make your vote count? Interested in learning how government works and how you can get engaged? Check out our CIVIC Education 101 section for information and links on voting, candidates, state government, and more.
2008 Education Reforms:
A Bold Step Forward, But Much Work Remains
While the 2008 Legislature will mostly be remembered for massive budget cuts to public education and other high-priority programs, lawmakers did take a bold first step to begin undoing the narrow focus of the flawed A-Plus public school accountability system in place since 1999. Learn about the changes, and about how you can participate in improving Florida's public schools.
Building World-Class Schools:
Read CIVIC's Expert Reports
While our state leaders have been trumpeting dramatic education reforms for the last eight years, Florida's schools continue to rank near the bottom in many important measures. Learn about the problems our education system faces and some real solutions we can implement to begin building world-class schools.
The Property Insurance Crisis:
Have we made progress...or are we worse off than before?
The legislation passed in the special session is likely to do more harm then good. What state leaders are touting as a big step forward is just a big gamble. Find out what really happened and how it could affect you.