Headlines
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.
Black Leaders Call Legislative Leaders' Amendment "A Sham"
Apr 21, 2010
The legislative leaders pushing the redistricting constitutional amendment claim that it's necessary to protect minority voting rights if Amendments 5 and 6 pass. But black leaders call it "a sham" that nullifies minority protects contained in Amendments 5 and 6. Read their statements.
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."
Legislators Push Amendment to Thwart "Fair Districts" Effort
Apr 18, 2010
More than 800,000 Floridians helped place two amendments on the ballot in November to change the redistricting process and prevent legislators from drawing their districts to ensure re-election. Now, the Legislature is pushing a third amendment that would gut the first two in an effort to confuse voters and hang onto their power. Learn more...and take action!
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.
State Referendum Proposed to Counter Federal Pro-Worker Legislation
Mar 9, 2009
Legislation has been offered to put a state constitutional amendment on the 2010 ballot to counter the Employee Free Choice Act, federal legislation designed to make it easier for employees to organize into a union.
2009 Legislative Session Kicks Off
Mar 4, 2009
We're just one week into the session and, facing an unprecedented budget crisis, legislators are throwing out all sorts of ideas...good, bad and ugly.
Cleaner Auto Emissions Proposal In Jeopardy
Mar 4, 2009
Gov. Crist has proposed stricter auto emission standards to protect Florida's air quality and to battle climate change, but the plan has hit a serious snag in the Legislature. Learn more and find out how to take action.
How Did Your School Score?
Jul 17, 2008
Find out how the schools in your area fared in the Florida School Grades, research FCAT scores, and learn how you can get involved to help make Florida's school accountability system more effective.
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