2009 Legislative Session Kicks Off
Mar 4, 2009
CIVIC will be working overtime to keep you informed on what's happening in Tallahassee and how you can take action when it matters most. Below are links to some initial legislative issues that we're already following. With an economic and budget crisis in full swing, we'll be closely watching the budget process as well. Check back often to find out what's new on these and other issues.
Take Action
Here are a few ways you can get ready to make a difference during this session:
1. Join CIVIC Concern and stay tuned to our action alert emails so you can make your voice heard by the right folks at the right time. (Please add info@civicconcern.org to your contacts to ensure our emails don't get trapped in your spam filter.)
2. Tell your friends about CIVIC. Remember, you have far more impact in Tallahassee if you join others and raise your voices together. The more people who email their legislators, sign petitions and otherwise raise a racket about issues that matter to them, the more chance there is that state leaders will pay attention. So tell your friends and family and urge them to sign up for CIVIC's action alerts too.
3. Fan us on Facebook. We've just created a new Facebook page, and it will be yet another source for information and action alerts. So become a fan and urge all your friends to do the same.
4. Make a contribution. Monitoring the legislature, researching issues and their impact, communicating with our members, maintaining our website...all of that takes funds. CIVIC is supported by its members, and we need your help. Contributions are tax-deductible.
5. Join other members on the Forum to discuss these issues, let CIVIC know if there are others you think we should be monitoring, and share ideas you think legislators should be considering.
6. Contact your state legislators using our simple online tool. Give your opinion on the issues below or any other issue you're concerned about.
Issues We're Watching Now:
The $5 Billion Budget Hole:
Increasing Revenue to Protect School Funding
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. More
Dismantling Growth Management
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. More
State Referendum Proposed to Counter Federal Pro-Worker Legislation
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. More