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Gov. Crist: "...the exercise of arrogance of power."
"They’ve lost their way, and that’s a shame."
Click Here for Video Published by the Palm Beach Post
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GOVERNOR CHARLIE CRIST
Tuesday, July 20, 2010, Press Conference Transcript Excerpt:
Good afternoon. To say I’m disappointed would be an understatement. I am significantly disappointed for the people. I really am. I can’t believe that this Legislature has shirked its duty so badly. They had an opportunity to put a referendum before the people, to allow the people the right to vote on this important issue, and they wouldn’t even trust them.
In the House, they didn’t even trust their own members. They wouldn’t even let them speak. They limited their speech. Even among their colleagues. How arrogant can a Legislature be?
You know, when President Truman was president, he called the Congress the do-nothing Congress. Well, today, I call this the do-nothing Legislature. And I’m going to give them hell for it. I can’t believe that they would have that much of a lack of respect for the people of Florida that they wouldn’t even give them the chance to vote on an issue that is impacting Florida as much as this one is.
It is embarrassing to watch. I feel for the people. I’m sorry for their inability to take this issue by themselves and have a chance to make a difference for the future of our state. To have the Legislature disrespect them so much and to have them thumb their noses at the people in this way is absolutely astonishing.
It is clearly the exercise of arrogance of power. They’ve lost their way, and that’s a shame.
And they did it on Senate Bill 6 too. Remember, they wouldn’t take any amendments on Senate Bill 6. They limited debate on this issue that would have simply gone to the people, that would have given them the right to vote.
I can’t understand it. I can’t describe that kind of illogical behavior. It is not appropriate. It’s not fair. It’s not right for the people. It is astonishing to me. And both parties are guilty. Both the House and the Senate.
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 | Florida Unemployment Extension Fix Fails; State Rep. Rader Appeals to Gov. Crist
State Rep. Kevin Rader (D-Boynton Beach) called on Gov. Charlie Crist, state House Speaker Larry Cretul and state Senate President Jeff Atwater to fix the issue during this week’s special session.
Click Here to Read Florida Independent Article
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 | The Career Offenders Bill
By Rep. Janet Cruz
House Bill 1493, the Career Offenders bill, penalizes those who assist career offenders in eluding law enforcement officers.
Click Here to Download Rep. Cruz's Editorial
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 | Governor Crist Appoints Ronald Brisé to Florida Public Service Commission
State Representative Ronald Brisé of North Miami became one of the newly appointed Commissioners on the Florida Public Service Commission.
Click Here to Download Rep. Brise's Statement
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| Reps. Rick Kriseman and Keith Fitzgerald Propose Constitutional
Amendment to Protect Florida's Coastline
In early May, Rep. Keith Fitzgerald joined Democratic colleagues in calling for a special session of the Florida Legislature.
Click Here to Download Press Release
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House Democratic Caucus Standing Firm to Keep Florida Waters Safe
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| The 2010 Florida Netroots Awards
The Florida House Democratic Caucus web site –
www.flhousedems.com – has been nominated in several categories of the 2010 Florida Netroots Awards.
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| House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands' Statement Regarding Veto of HB 1143
Read HB1143 Veto Letter.
Click Here to Download Sands Statement.
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| Bill by Rep. Mia Jones creates new law that allows traffic fines to be paid in installments
(From The Florida Times-Union)
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Sink, Gelber, Kriseman, Fitzgerald Propose Constitutional Amendment
That Protects Florida's Coastline
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Abortion bill will cause pain, trauma
By Rep. Scott Randolph, Special to the Times
Saturday, May 1, 2010 Editor's note: State Rep. Scott Randolph, D-Orlando, made the following remarks on the House floor shortly before passage of HB 1143. The bill, now vetoed by Governor Crist, would have required all women seeking an abortion to submit to an ultrasound. In nearly all cases, medical personnel would have been required to orally describe to the woman the ultrasound image before her abortion was performed.
Click Here to Read Rep. Randolph's Full Remarks
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| The people’s trust is violated too often through abuse and corruption by elected officials and other public servants. Jim Greer, left, the former chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, who has been under criminal investigation for his financial handling of the organization, was arrested, booked into the Seminole County jail according to jail officials and charged with six felonies.
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| House Democrats Slam Legislative Redistricting Amendments
UPDATE: The Florida House voted to have HJR 7231 (Amendment #7) on the November ballot potentially neutralizing two earlier amendments (Amendments 5 and 6) that would re-district congressional and legislative districts in Florida.
The vote was 74-40.
In early July, a judge threw the legislatively-proposed Constitutional Amendment #7 dealing with the rules for drawing political boundaries off the November ballot.
Amendments 5 and 6 are being challenged by two members of Congress, and by the Legislature, claiming the proposals may run afoul of federal protections for minority voters, a claim vehemently denied by the two amendments' backers.
Click here to download/read the complete article.
(Reprinted with Permission of www.newsserviceflorida.com Independent and Indispensable.)
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| Supporters hope this is year for ban on texting while driving
(From St. Petersburg Times)
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| Horse-cruelty bill aims to combat horse-meat black market
(From Ocala.com)
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| Rep. Alan B. Williams sent a letter to Governor Crist, asking him to veto HB1143
(Click Above to Read Letter)
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| Rep. Joe Abruzzo: Legalize, regulate and tax online poker
(From The Palm Beach Post)
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| “It is a difficult balance between freedom of the press and freedom of privacy. But, overall, in America we’ve got to make that balance towards the freedom of the press,” said Rep. Scott Randolph
(From VodPod.com)
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| Rep. Kriseman discusses HM 1459, repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
(From VodPod.com)
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The Benefits of Health Reform In Florida
(Click Above for Document)
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HJR 7231 Silences 1.7 Million Floridians Florida House Democratic Caucus members led the debate against HJR 7231, arguing that it would silence 1.7 million Floridians who have been clear in their demands to reform Florida’s broken reapportionment process.
HJR 7231 is a blatant attempt by Republican Party leaders to hold on to power while deceiving voters into
believing they are supporting the reforms of Amendments 5 and 6.
Click Here to Read Release.
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| Bill Watch: HB245 Read about proposed new regulations concerning tanning salons in Florida.
House Bill 205 by Representative Rick Kriseman, co-sponsor Rep. Evan Jenne and others.
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 | Floridians Are Rejecting Republican Anti-Teacher Legislation
Florida House Democratic Caucus leaders warned that the measure, which eliminates employment protections for teachers, would have a detrimental impact on education and Florida’s ability to retain and recruit high-quality educators.
“We’re trying to compete for the best nationwide, but we’ve made this a hostile climate with this bill,” Representative Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, said during a recent press conference.
From Capitol News Service, 3/29/10. Click to view story.
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| Florida lawmakers consider going easier on sexting teens
In an age of text-crazy teens, the Florida Legislature is taking aim at a racy pastime: sexting. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Joseph Abruzzo, D-Wellington, said it's aimed at softening the current legal situation on sexting.
The Sun Sentinel, 3/22/10. Click to view story.
The Tampa Tribune, 3/30/10. Click to view story.
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| Meet Rep. Leonard Bembry
From Sunshine State News.
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 | Bill limiting the sale of pipes to tobacco shops target 'Head shops'
It would be more difficult to sell carburetor pipes, chillums and chillers in Florida under a bill approved by a panel of state lawmakers.
The Palm Beach Post, 3/11/10. Click to view story.
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| Democratic State Reps. Joseph Abruzzo and Mark Pafford and Democratic State Sen. Dave Aronberg address forum on health concerns Tests are coming, we promise, state health officials said. We are getting federal help, they said. The Palm Beach Post, 2/10/10. Click to view story.
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| Statement by Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands
Regarding the Election of Janet Cruz, Florida House District 58 “On behalf of the members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus, it is with great joy and pride that I offer congratulations to Tampa native Janet Cruz on her election. “I wish Janet much success in the challenging tasks that await her. She can be assured that every member of our caucus will welcome her warmly as we strive to create a better future for Florida.”
The St. Petersburg Times, 2/24/10. Click to view story.
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 | Elections Reform
House Democratic Caucus members are sponsoring bills that aim to encourage
voter participation and turnout in elections.
Audio Message (.mp3)
Press Release
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| Legislature set to hit the session running on corruption reform
(From Florida Times-Union)
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 | State Needs "Haiti Czar" for Haitian Diaspora
(From The Palm Beach Post)
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| Video highlights of a recent North Florida water forum hosted by Rep. Debbie Boyd
(YouTube Video)
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 | The military reaction to oil drilling near Florida’s shores (In response to Rep. Mark Pafford)
(YouTube Video)
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| Rep. Perry Thurston calls for action on criminal justice reform
(Acrobat Reader Document)
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| Bill by Rep. Janet Long calls for tougher pre-K requirements
(10Connects.com)
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| Rep. Rick Kriseman appointed as a Democratic Policy Advisor
(Acrobat Reader Format)
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| | Citizens should speak out to defend Florida's public counsel Letter to the Editor of the St. Petersburg Times from Rep. Bill Heller, D-St. Petersburg; Rep. Rick Kriseman, D-St. Petersburg; Rep. Janet C. Long, D-Seminole; and Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg Times, 2/10/10. Click to read.
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 | Rep. Darren Soto and Sen. Dave Aronberg fire back at bank-banked foreclosure proposal State Sen. Dave Aronberg and Rep. Darren Soto are proposing a "Foreclosure Bill of Rights" in opposition to a yet-to-be filed measure that would let mortgage lenders get their properties back without giving homeowners their day in court.
The Palm Beach Post, 2/9/10. Click to view story.
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 | The Jeffrey Klee Memorial Act Receives Initial Approval
Sponsored by Rep. Ari Porth, D-Coral Springs, and Sen. Nan Rich, D-Weston, the "Jeffrey Klee Memorial Act'' would eliminate the time restrictions for filing civil lawsuits.
The Miami Herald, 1/20/10. Click to view story.
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 | Tattoo Artists Face Stricter Regulation
South Florida Rep. Mary Brandenburg unveiled legislation that she said would make tattoos safer for teens and adults. The tattoo artists say the stricter regulations for licensing and health education would bring more legitimacy to their industry.
St. Petersburg Times, 1/19/10. Click to view story.
Sun Sentinel PICTURE GALLERY: Girls With Tattoos
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 | Representative Adam M. Fetterman Files the Ethical Practices Act of 2010
Representative Adam M. Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) and Senator
Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland) have filed the “Ethical Practices Act of 2010” pertaining to public disclosure by state legislators.
TCPalm.com, 1/20/10. Click to view story.
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| Responding to Florida’s Foreclosure Crisis
Rep. Darren Soto would require banks make a good-faith effort to renegotiate mortgages on homesteaded properties to keep owners in their homes.
The Palm Beach Post, 1/22/10. Click to view story.
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| Rep. Bill Heller explains why he opposed a rail bill in special session
(From WMNF-FM, Tampa)
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 | 2010 Sunshine Census Initiative
Rep. Hazelle Rogers wants to ensure that minority populations, immigrants, people with disabilities, and other hard-to-count groups are included in the 2010 Florida Census.
Click here to continue reading.
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| Breaking Down Walls, Building Bridges
Rep. Maria Sachs outlines her visit to Berlin to discuss human trafficking with international leaders.
Click here to continue reading.
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| Restore Trust in Government |
| Rep. Ronald Brisé Debates the Increase of Transportation Fees
(YouTube Video)
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 | Did $1-a-pack tax get smokers to quit -- or get more creative?
(From The Orlando Sentinel)
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| Legislature Needs Sunshine By Rep. Keith Fitzgerald
(From Herald-Tribune)
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| Rep. Oscar Braynon among Essence Magazine’s Emerging Leaders 2010
(From Essence Magazine)
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| Rep. Maria Sachs Honored by the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council
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| Expose Executive Compensation Packages
(Rep. Elaine Schwartz's SunSentinel Opinion Page Editorial, 10/15/09)
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| (From St. Petersburg Times)
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| Rep. Kelly Skidmore Discusses Florida’s Prescription Drug Abuse Crisis
(Video Courtesy of Current)
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| Pinellas County Ceremony Honors Military Heroes
(From Tampa Bay Online)
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| Fighting for Unemployment Compensation
Florida House Democrats fought to extend a helping hand to those who lost their jobs due to the economic downturn.
Click here to continue reading this article.
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 | Ready, Set, Action!
Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda says Florida should put more focus on nurturing
the state’s film industry.
Published 10/28/09. Tallahassee Democrat.
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| Bill Requires Disclosure
Rep. Mark Pafford files legislation to require financial disclosure for those who
provide testimony to utility regulators.
Published 10/23/09. The Miami Herald.
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| Rep. Thurston Works to Restore Rights
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| Barry Kling Retiring Attorney Durward Brewer now serves as acting staff director of the House Democratic Office. He replaces retiring Staff Director Barry Kling who retires in January after 31 years of state service, including 24 years in the Legislature.
Published 10/22/09. News Service Florida.
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| Rep. Kevin Rader Honors Planned Parenthood CEO
(YouTube Video)
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| Rep. Mary Brandenburg Speaks About the Foreclosure Crisis
(YouTube Video)
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| Rep. Adam Fetterman, D-Port St. Lucie, Spends Day in the Classroom
Rep. Fetterman spent a day in the third grade of Westgate K-8 to see what life in the classroom is like today.
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| Meet Newest House Member Mack Bernard
Rep. Mackenson “Mack” Bernard was sworn into office during a brief ceremony on Oct. 5 in the chambers of the Florida House of Representatives.
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| Florida Residents' Jobless Benefits Expire
(From Sarasota Herald Tribune, 9-4-09)
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| Rep. Scott Randolph (D-Orlando) Speaking on the Floor of the Florida House Regarding SB 810 (Unemployment Compensation)
(YouTube Video)
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| Drilling Near Florida’s Coasts
Rep. Scott Randolph on House Regulation of State Lands and Oil and Gas Resources
(YouTube Video)
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| Rep. Rick Kriseman's speech to the Agency on Bay Management regarding drilling in the Gulf
Rep. Rick Kriseman addresses concerns about a proposal to allow oil drilling in state waters.
(Photos by David Flintom)
(YouTube Video)
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| Refueled Push for Capital Airplane Gas Tax Exemption, News Service Florida
(In Acrobat Reader Format)
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| Rep. Maria Sachs Appointed to Statewide Task Force on Human Trafficking
(In Acrobat Reader Format)
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| Watch film of Reps. Debbie Boyd and Leonard Bembry at the Lake City Community College Small Business Fair
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| Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda's Letter to Gov. Crist Regarding Levy Nuclear Power Plant
(In Acrobat Reader Format)
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| | Federal stimulus averted 2,800 teacher layoffs in Tampa Bay schools
In Hillsborough County, 1,511 jobs were saved or created using nearly $150 million
in stimulus money. Pinellas kept 792 teachers working, while Pasco protected 411 jobs and Hernando protected 175.
(From St. Petersburg Times, 8-24-09)
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| Eco-friendly home grows from fire's ashes in St. Petersburg
Less than a year after a fire destroyed their St. Petersburg house, state Rep. Rick Kriseman and his wife, Kerry, moved into their rebuilt home on Third Avenue N.
As they made plans to rebuild, the Krisemans decided to make the new house as eco-friendly as possible.
(From St. Petersburg Times, 8-8-09, and YouTube Video)
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| Professors and Teachers Leaving Florida
See Rep. Evan Jenne discuss the exodus of teachers from Florida.
(YouTube Video)
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| Rep. Geraldine F. Thompson Speaks About Black History
(Thanks to Central Florida News 13 TV)
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| Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda Special Session Opening
(YouTube Video)
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| Letter to the Coalition for Smart Justice
Florida Justice: Tough on Youth
(From Herald Tribune, 8-9-09, in Acrobat Reader Format)
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| Rep. Rick Kriseman
Debates Abortion Bill
(YouTube Video)
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| Rep. Alan Williams Addresses
Vehicle Fee Hikes
(You Tube Video)
Department of Highway Safety
and Motor Vehicles Fee Schedule Site
DHSMV Vehicles Fees
Comparison Chart
(In Acrobat Reader Format)
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| Rep. Keith Fitzgerald, D-Sarasota, says Florida needs a high-tech and health
care workforce, commitment to alternative energy, and a focus on becoming a
model for arts and mass transit.
Leaders back economy overhaul
(From Herald Tribune, 8-5-09, in Acrobat Reader Format)
Fitzgerald: Florida must do 360
(From The Bradenton Herald, 8-5-09, in Acrobat Reader Format)
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| Rep. Mark Pafford -- State Must Fund Subsidized Childcare
“Revenue will continue to go down if we don’t look at things like intangible taxes,
if we don’t look at different structures to bring in more money,” (Pafford) said.
(From Town Crier, in Acrobat Reader Format)
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| President Obama on Health Care Reform
(Video Courtesy of the White House Site)
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| Rep Ron Saunders Says "No" to HJR 1013 and SJR 1908
(YouTube Video)At a press conference on March 17, 2009, State Rep. Ron Saunders joined
Floridian workers to urge state legislators to vote against Majority Leader
Hasner's and Senator Richter's HJR 1013 and SJR 1908.
He called on lawmakers to stop their attacks on workers and get down to the business of solving the state's budget crisis and other issues.
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