Headlines
FSU Law Dean Weidner Named One of Nine Transformative Deans
Aug 1, 2011
Florida State University College of Law Dean Donald J. Weidner is one of the last decade’s nine transformative law school deans.
Watch Hot Coffee, a Powerful New Film
Jun 26, 2011 (Huffington Post)
On Monday, June 27, HBO begins airing a powerful new documentary film called Hot Coffee, which blows the lid off the "tort reform" movement. The name of the film comes from the infamous and widely misunderstood "McDonald's Coffee Case," which most people believe involved a greedy coffee drinker who spilled hot coffee on herself and won millions of dollars for essentially no reason. When you see this film, hear from the family, hear from the jurors in the case, see the disturbing images of her actual burns and discover that the verdict was significantly reduced despite McDonald's callous behavior, you'll learn what really happened and wonder why you were duped.
State House Democratic leaders call on Justice Department to reject election law changes
Jun 21, 2011
State House Democratic Leader Ron Saunders and Democratic Speaker-Designate Perry Thurston have joined the ACLU and the NAACP in calling for the federal Justice Department to reject proposed changes to Florida elections laws contained in House Bill 1355.
New civics course to start in middle schools
Feb 14, 2011 (The Destin Log)
Florida middle school students will soon have to take a civics course and then pass a standardized test about what they’ve learned before they can go on to high school.
Gov. Scott Stalls New Redistricting Standards
Jan 26, 2011
Just days after taking office, Governor Rick Scott withdrew Florida's new redistricting standards, overwhelmingly supported by Florida voters in November, from a required federal review process. It's unclear what effect his actions will have on the implementation of the standards, but supporters of the reform measures question his motives.
Supreme Court Justices Targeted by Conservative Group
Oct 28, 2010
Merit retention for Supreme Court justices is supposed to allow voters the chance to remove unethical judges while still preserving judicial independence. But a conservative Central Florida group is targeting two justices for removal based on a single ruling that disagrees with their political ideology. Learn why this effort could set a dangerous precedent and take action!
Oil Disaster Threatens Florida's Environment and Economy
May 5, 2010
Called "disastrous" and "daunting," the oil slick in the Gulf continues to grow and threatens Florida's coastline, and along with it our fishing, seafood and tourism industries. And yet, the two legislators in line to become House Speaker and Senate President refuse to abandon their plans to allow new drilling within 10 miles of our shores! Take action now.
What is Florida's Press Saying About Legislative Leaders' Redistricting Amendment?
Apr 24, 2010
"Nothing short of despicable." "Shows legislators' disdain for democracy." "Everything about it stinks." "Poison pill amendment designed to fool voters." The legislators' plan to confuse voters and render Amendments 5 and 6 meaningless is being universally skewered by editorial boards around the state. Read the articles here.
Tampa Tribune:
NAACP Supports Fair Districts
Apr 20, 2010 (Tampa Tribune)
Past NAACP President and Chair of NAACP Legislative Committee Leon Russell says "Contrary to the repeated claim made by members of the Legislature who are involved in the redistricting process that they seek to enhance minority voting rights, it seems that they intend the opposite. Insofar as minority voters are concerned, the proposed amendments are a sham."
Senate President Atwater Announced Thorough Study of Offshore Drilling
Nov 9, 2009
Florida Senate President Jeff Atwater announced that he recognizes that new offshore drilling has "serious ramifications" and the Senate will conduct a "thorough and comprehensive review of the implications."
Florida Newspapers Are Weighing in Strongly Against New Drilling
Nov 5, 2009
Newspaper editorial boards from Pensacola to Miami are weighing in against allowing new drilling near Florida's coasts. They decry the danger to Florida's vital tourism industry and environment, as well as the shortsightedness and ineffectiveness of new drilling as an energy strategy.
New Gulf Drilling Legislation Filed in U.S. Senate
Jul 28, 2009
Big Oil just doesn't give up. Now a bill has been filed in the U.S. Senate to void the ban on gulf drilling for oil and natural gas. If it passes, new drilling would be allowed within 45 miles of our beaches, and even closer to the Panhandle in the so-called Destin Dome. Find out how you can take action.
Yet Another Push for More Drilling Off Florida's Coasts
Jun 23, 2009
After narrowly losing their fight to get the Florida Legislature to approve drilling within 10 miles of the coast, now the oil and gas drilling advocates have set their sights on Congress, convincing the Senate energy committee to pass an amendment allowing new drilling within 45 miles of Florida, closer in the Panhandle. Learn more and find out what you can do.
Florida School Grades: Find Out How Your Local Schools Scored
Jun 23, 2009
The Florida Department of Education has released school grades and FCAT scores for the 2008-09 school year in a searchable database.
CIVIC Spotlight:
Save Duval Schools
Mar 30, 2009
A Jacksonville group is fighting to protect their schools from impending budget cuts. Find out how they're taking action.
Guest column:
Let's Not Create Chaos in the Protection of Our Natural Resources
Mar 30, 2009
Former House Speaker Jon Mills urges the Legislature not to dismantle the Department of Community Affairs and weaken Florida's growth management process.
Budget Hole Grows Bigger; New Estimates Predict $6.7 Billion Defiicit
Mar 16, 2009
The Florida Revenue Estimating Conference released latest figures on Friday and predicts revenue for the rest of the current fiscal year and next year will be another $3.4 billion lower than previous estimates.
Don't Backtrack on Commitment to Reduce Class Size
Mar 16, 2009
In his guest column, State Rep. Martin Kiar (D-Parkland) explains his opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment changing class-size requirements, and urges his colleagues in the legislature to join in a bipartisan effort to make the current system more workable without shortchanging Florida students.
The $5 Billion Budget Hole:
Increasing Revenue to Protect School Funding
Mar 10, 2009
House leadership is maintaining its staunch opposition to any tax or fee increases, but Senate leaders and some House members have proposed ideas to increase revenue to avoid more cuts to education and health care. Read on to find out what's being proposed and how you can take action.
Legislators Propose Raiding the Prepaid College Fund to Plug the Budget Gap
Mar 10, 2009
Some legislators have proposed "borrowing" from the Florida Prepaid College Fund, the program where millions of parents have put their hard-earned money, trusting that the state will have it when it's time for their kids to go to college. Governor Crist opposes the move.
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