Date
Published
| Release Title | | Description |
| 03/11/2010 | Representative Fitzgerald Praises Introduction of Clean Energy and Weatherization Legislation
| | State Representative Keith Fitzgerald (D-Sarasota) today commended the introduction of clean energy and weatherization that allows local governments to issue loans to property owners to finance energy efficiency and weatherization improvements for their properties.
Audio Message (.mp3)
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| 03/10/10 | Statement Regarding GOP Plan To Restore Legislative Leadership Slush Funds
| | State Rep. Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) responded to a statement made today by State Rep. Seth McKeel (R-Lakeland), touting legislation that he claims would provide more transparency to the political process. |
| 03/09/10 | Iran House Press Release | | Representative Kevin J. G. Rader (D-Delray Beach) and Senator Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton) and have introduced bills that seek to preclude companies that conduct business in Iran from receiving Florida taxpayer funds in the form of state government contracts.
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| 03/09/2010 | Florida Legislators To Join Meeting At The White House To Welcome Haiti's President Rene Preval
| | State Representatives Ronald Brisé (D-North Miami) and Mack Bernard (D-West Palm Beach) are pleased to announce that they will join Haiti’s President René Préval during his visit to The White House on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Both legislators are Haitian-Americans who have traveled to Haiti since the earthquake. They have worked extensively with colleagues to facilitate Florida’s relief efforts in earthquake-torn Haiti.
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| 03/05/2010 | Kriseman Letter to DEP Secretary Sole re Raytheon Cleanup
| | Through media reports, I recently learned that Raytheon’s remedial action plan may take 78 years to complete. As you can imagine, this news is infuriating to residents and homeowners who have simply had enough. This contamination has already dealt them a serious health scare and a loss of property value. And now this.
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| 03/05/2010 | Rep Janet Cruz Hits the Ground Running
| | “I basically had to accomplish in one week in Tallahassee what might normally take four months,” said Representative Cruz. |
| 03/04/1020 | Rep. Maria Lorts Sachs Files Bill to Fight Military Impersonation
| | That “veteran” in uniform asking for a donation at the intersection or in front of the grocery store may not actually be a veteran at all, and three top lawmakers from South Florida are fighting back. |
| 03/04/1020 | Rep. Skidmore Letter Concerning An Investigation of a Cancer Cluster in Palm Beach County
| | The letter addresses an investigation of a cancer cluster in The Acreage, an area of Palm Beach County. Representative Skidmore encourages involvement by the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute in Tampa. |
| 03/04/1020 | Remarks Concerning Initial Budget Allocations
| | “Speaker Cretul is to be commended for outlining allocation strategies and guiding principles that House budget committees can follow as they draft a new state spending plan for Florida."
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| 03/03/1020 | Civil Rights Hall of Fame | | Representative Alan B. Williams (D-Tallahassee) and Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill Sr. (D-Jacksonville) are sponsoring House Bill 523 and Senate Bill 1354, respectively, during the 2010 session to establish a Florida Civil Rights Hall of Fame.
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| 03/02/2010 | State of the State Response, House Democratic Caucus, by Rep. Geraldine Thompson
| | "Democrats in the state House of Representatives firmly believe that job creation for Floridians is job number one. That is why we have come to the State Capitol to build----to build Florida’s economy and to rebuild the people’s trust in their state government."
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| 03/02/2010 | Republicans Are Mismanaging Florida and It Is Time To Do Government Business A New Way
| | After 12 years of Republican control of state government, House Speaker Larry Cretul today admitted Republican mismanagement and confessed that it is time to “do government business a new way.” |
| 03/02/2010 | Rep. Kriseman Files Military Readiness Bill | | Florida State Representative Rick Kriseman (D-St. Petersburg) has filed House Memorial 1459 urging Congress to adopt and the President of United States to sign into law legislation that repeals the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and institutes a policy of nondiscrimination based on sexual orientation with respect to service in the U.S. Military.
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| 03/02/2010 | Florida House Democrats Support Unemployment Compensation Tax Relief
| | With job creation and retention for Floridians at the top of their agenda for 2010, Florida House Democratic Caucus members today voted unanimously in support of House Bill 7033, a measure that aims to recharge Florida’s economy by giving businesses immediate relief from unemployment compensation tax increases.
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| 02/24/2010 | Florida Cabinet Reinforces Rep. Janet Long Legislation to Reign In Public Adjusters
| | After nearly five years, claims that continue to be filed against insurance companies as a result of Hurricane Wilma are being considered by the state’s top political leaders. |
| 02/24/2010 | 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. |
| 02/22/2010 | Good Government Press Release
| | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands today praised House Democratic Caucus members’ proposals to restore honesty, integrity and openness to state government.
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| 02/17/2010 | House Democrats Seek To Increase Participation In Government and Elections
| | Several bills sponsored by Florida House Democratic Caucus members that aim to encourage voter participation and turnout in elections were introduced today in a workshop held by the House Government Affairs Policy Committee.
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| 02/17/2010 | Rep. Steinberg and Sen. Hill Sponsor Diversity Bill | | Representative Richard L. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach) and Senator Anthony C. “Tony” Hill Sr. (D-Jacksonville) are sponsoring House Bill 1093 during the 2010 session to require state colleges and universities to interview qualified minority applicants when hiring head athletic coaches and athletic directors.
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| 02/16/2010 | Rep. Mia Jones Hosts Medicaid Town Hall Meetings
| | Representative Mia Jones (D-Jacksonville) will host a series of Medicaid Town Hall Meetings to hear from medical providers and patients participating in the Florida Medicaid reform pilot project. |
| 02/09/2010 | Arrive Alive Act Press Release
| | Representative Janet Long (D-Seminole) and Senator Paula Dockery (R-Lakeland) have filed the “Arrive Alive Act” pertaining to text-based communication while driving.
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| 02/03/2010 | Steinberg Supports Child Safety Legislation
| | Rep. Steinberg Supports Child Safety Legislation. |
| 02/01/2010 | Statements Regarding Gov. Crist's Budget | | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands and Representative Ron Saunders, the Democratic Ranking Member on the House Full Appropriations Council, issued the following statements in response to Governor Charlie Crist’s budget presentation.
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| 02/01/2010 | HB 765 Unlawful Slaughter of Horses | | State Representative Luis Garcia (D-Miami) and State Senator Victor Crist (R-Tampa) have joined together and filed HB 765 to combat this growing problem. House Bill 765 provides a greater deterrent to the illegal slaughter and sale of horse meat by increasing the penalties and imposing mandatory minimum sentences.
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| 01/27/2010 | Highlights of Remarks by House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands, Jan 27 2010
| | Highlights of Remarks by House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands, Jan 27 2010, AP Legislative Planning Session. |
| 01/26/2010 | Child Abduction Prevention Act | | House Bill 787, filed this week by Representative Darryl Rouson (D-St. Petersburg), addresses the complex and tragic issue of family child abduction. Representative Rouson is deeply committed to addressing the welfare of some of our most vulnerable members of society, its children.
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| 01/25/2010 | Response to Gov Crist Education Budget | | I am encouraged today by Governor Charlie Crist’s decision to break from Republican legislative leaders and to talk about providing more money for education in Florida. |
| 01/21/2010 | Budget Prioritization | | The attached letter was signed last evening and delivered today to House Speaker Larry Cretul. The letter addresses a budget prioritization exercise in the Florida House of Representatives.
Budget Statement Update:
Leader Franklin Sands' Response to Representative David Rivera
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| 01/20/2010 | Rep. 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.
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| 01/19/2010 | Rep. Mary Brandenburg Files House Bill 729 on Tattoo Safety
| | Today, state Rep. Mary Brandenburg (D-West Palm Beach) joined representatives of several statewide health associations and tattoo artists in announcing the filing of legislation to make safer the process of getting a tattoo in Florida.
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| 01/15/2010 | Remarks Regarding Florida's Race to the Top application
| | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement regarding Florida’s application in the Race to the Top competition for federal education funds.
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| 01/15/2010 | Higher Standards for PreK Teachers | | In the wake of a new report from the business community about Florida’s workforce, State Rep. Janet Long (D-Seminole) today called on legislative leaders to embrace her plan to improve Florida’s pre-kindergarten program.
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| 01/14/2010 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Statement Re Florida Council of 100 Report, Closing The Talent Gap
| | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement in response to today’s Florida Council of 100 “Closing the Talent Gap” report concerning the state’s workforce.
The Florida Council of 100's Closing the Talent Gap Report
(Acrobat Reader Document)
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| 01/05/2010 | Nurses Letter to Speaker 12-14-09
| | Representative Darryl E. Rouson's expected legislation is also worthy of support because he believes it will help ease the statewide shortage of healthcare professionals.
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| 01/04/2010 | Rep. Mark Pafford Files Legislation Regarding Public Service Commission HB533
| | House Bill 533 will require individuals who provide public comment at PSC hearings to disclose any financial relationship with a utility company, including any charitable contributions, gifts or any positions of governance that are held by an employee of a public utility within the organization represented.
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| 12/29/2009 | Fixing Florida's Budget - Let The Public Speak First
| | "We urge Republican leaders to hold public hearings at the outset of the special session..." |
| 12/18/2009 | Letter to Education Commissioner Smith from Reps Heller, Bullard, and Kiar | | This letter pertaining to Florida’s Race to the Top application has been submitted to Florida Education Commissioner Eric J. Smith by Representatives Bill Heller, Dwight Bullard and Martin David Kiar.
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| 12/16/2009 | Leader and Mrs. Franklin Sands To Attend White House Reception | | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) and his wife, Leslie Sands, are honored to be among the invited guests at today’s holiday reception at The White House, which is being hosted by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
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| 12/15/2009 | Rail deal was a boondoggle from day one
| | By State Rep. Debbie Boyd (D-Newberry), from The Suwannee Democrat. According to recent news reports, Tea Party activists are angry over the recent Sunrail/Tri-rail deal just passed by the Florida Legislature. And they have every right to be.
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| 12/15/2009 | Education Reform Press Release HB473 | | With a focus on children instead of high-stakes tests, Florida House Democrats are proposing bold initiatives to increase public school accountability and prepare every student to compete in the global economy. Read Bill Summary Here.
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| 12/15/2009 | Statement by House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Regarding Chanukah
| | I wish you and your family a peaceful Chanukah. As menorahs glow with light throughout our state, may all eight days of the holiday be warm and bright and bring you happiness. |
| 12/11/2009 | Rep. Janet C. Long Hosts Dec. 15 Town Hall Meeting
| | Representative Janet C. Long (D-Seminole) Hosts a Town Hall Meeting on Education Issues on Tuesday, December 15, 2009. |
| 12/08/2009 | Democratic Leader Sands:
Credit Goes to President Obama and Congress for Florida's Rail Transit Prospects
| | “I congratulate my colleagues in the Florida Legislature for creating a policy foundation from which rail transit can become a viable transportation alternative for Florida’s citizens, tourists, and businesses throughout the state. “Thanks foremost to the economic recovery funding made available by President Barack Obama and Congress, today’s action means Florida is now poised to receive substantial funding for an array of transportation-modernization strategies."
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| 12/07/2009 | State Rep. Michael Scionti 12.07.09
| | State Representative Michael Scionti has been appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Intergovernmental Affairs and Homeland Defense.
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| 12/07/2009 | Early Childhood Caucus Meets Wednesday Dec 9
| | Representative Ari Porth (D-Coral Springs) will convene the second meeting of the Early Childhood Caucus to continue discussions with Florida lawmakers about investments in young children.
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| 12/02/2009 | R. Saunders Excused Absence Request -- December 2009
| | My legislative district has over 6,000 black constituents. Therefore, I am today joining the Florida Legislative Black Caucus and will be attending the National Black Caucus of State Legislators annual conference on December 3 and 4 in Fort Lauderdale to learn more about important issues affecting my constituents.
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| 12/01/2009 | Response to Speaker Cretul on Dec 1 -- Leaders Sands and Thompson
| | "...we remain convinced that the House and Senate can conduct the business of a special session next week without disrupting members’ planned attendance at the annual conference of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators."
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| 12/01/2009 | Letter to Speaker Cretul from Leaders Sands and Thompson Special Session 2009 December
| | The following letter was sent today (December 1) from Leaders Franklin Sands and Geraldine Thompson to House Speaker Larry Cretul. |
| 11/24/2009 | Letter to Governor Regarding 2010 US Census
| | "At no time in our state’s history has an accurate census count meant so much. I am keenly interested in making certain that all of Florida’s hard-to-count populations are counted, including the minority populations, immigrants and people with disabilities."
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| 11/23/2009 | Drywall Statement by Leader Franklin Sands | | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued a statement concerning new federal investigative reports concerning defective drywall found in homes in Florida.
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| 11/23/2009 | Rep. Fetterman Files Restore Trust In Government Act
| | State Representative Adam Fetterman (D-Port St. Lucie) filed House Joint Resolution 389 (HJR 389) today that would make it more difficult for lawmakers to raid state trust funds.
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| 11/20/2009 | Jobless Figures Highlight Need For Bipartisan Action | | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) issued the following statement in response to today’s announcement about October employment figures: “Families across Florida are devastated by the reality of a 34-year-high unemployment rate."
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| 11/19/2009 | Florida House Republicans Fail to Understand the Benefits of the Federal Economic Stimulus Package | | Once again, Florida House Republican leaders have shown their inability to clearly read The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and understand its benefits to Florida.
A disparaging statement on Wednesday night by the House Majority Office about legislation sponsored by Florida House Democrats to help businesses, employers, and Florida’s economy needs to be addressed. The Recovery Act was set up to deliver an immediate dose of stimulus to the states, and promised to deliver funds to any state that enacted reforms and promised to set up the expanded benefit within a year of enactment.
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| 11/18/2009 | Stop Punishing Florida's Economy | | Florida House Democratic Caucus members today called on Republican legislative leaders to stop punishing Florida’s economy and admit that their refusal to accept $444 million in federal economic stimulus this year has injured Florida businesses and residents.
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| 11/18/2009 | New Lawsuit Demands Adequate Funding For Education in Florida
| | “Florida House Democrats are hopeful that this new lawsuit will allow the courts to intervene to require the Republican leadership in the Legislature to do what it should have been doing all along---adequately funding Florida’s schools as the state constitution requires."
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| 11/16/2009 | Statement on Education Reforms | | “Governor Crist appears to be slowly recognizing that public education in Florida has suffered for more than a decade because of a misguided education accountability system that focuses too greatly on how students perform on a single-day standardized test."
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| 11/16/2009 | Representative Dwight Bullard Announces Partnership with Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations
| | Representative Dwight M. Bullard (D-Miami) has formed a partnership with the Florida Association of Nonprofit Organizations (FANO) to address financial concerns facing non-profit organizations.
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| 11/10/2009 | Veterans Day 2009 Statement | | On this Veterans Day, and on behalf of the Democratic Caucus in the Florida House of Representatives, I am honored to pay tribute to the men and women in uniform who have served and continue to serve our nation with courage. Their bravery and dedication are tremendous sources of inspiration to us all.
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| 11/09/2009 | Rep. Rick Kriseman Response to Announcement of Process for Offshore Drilling Study
| | “I am very pleased with President Atwater’s call for a serious and thorough analysis of drilling in state waters. A fact-based discussion is what Floridians deserve. It is what they expect from the Florida Legislature, and it will be a welcomed departure from the recklessness that we’ve seen thus far."
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| 11/06/2009 | Rep. Maria Sachs Honored by the FDDC | | Representative Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) received the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council’s 2009 Outstanding Legislator Award for sponsoring legislation to prohibit restraint and seclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities who are currently enrolled in Florida’s public school system.
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| 11/06/2009 | Audio of Leader Sands on Commuter Rail | | Hi. I’m Franklin Sands, the Democratic leader in the Florida House of Representatives. I believe economic recovery and job creation are the most critical missions for the Legislature.
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| 11/05/2009 | Democratic Leaders Call On Republican Leadership To Get Commuter Rail Opportunities On Track
| | Florida Senate Democratic Leader Al Lawson and Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands today jointly called on the Republican leadership of the Legislature to resolve remaining obstacles hampering Florida’s ability to tap $8 billion in federal economic recovery money for commuter rail.
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| 11/02/2009 | Early Childhood Caucus Meeting | | Rep. Ari Porth (D-Broward) will host Florida’s first-ever Early Childhood Caucus on Tuesday, Nov. 3, during interim committee week.
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| 10/29/2009 | Rep. Mia Jones Participates in 2009 Broadband Technology Summit
| | State Representative Mia Jones (D-Jacksonville) is participating in the 2009 Broadband Technology Summit in Washington, D.C., which convened Wednesday and runs through Friday. |
| 10/29/2009 | State Rep. Maria Sachs Attends Statewide Task Force on Human Trafficking
| | State Representative Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) will attend the first meeting of the Statewide Task Force on Human Trafficking on Friday, October 30, 2009, in Miami. |
| 10/29/2009 | Letter to Speaker Cretul October 29, 2009
| | The people of Florida represent a rich diversity of cultures, backgrounds and experiences. The diversity of our state is, in fact, one of our greatest treasures. Therefore, it is imperative that we do our best to ensure a complete and accurate count of everyone who resides in Florida during the 2010 U.S. Census.
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| 10/28/2009 | Rep. Randolph White House Press Release | | State Rep. Scott Randolph is traveling to the White House on Wednesday, October 28, to work with lawmakers from around the country to develop federal clean energy legislation. He will be the only legislator from Florida in attendance.
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| 10/21/2009 | Rep. Thompson Attends Roundtable Event
| | House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) has been selected to participate in the Southern Women in Public Service Regional Roundtable event sponsored by the Stennis Center for Public Service Leadership.
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| 10/14/2009 | Response to Call For Statewide Grand Jury
| | “I am encouraged by Governor Crist’s expression of concern about the conduct of some public officials throughout Florida, and I endorse his call for a statewide grand jury to investigate criminal activities among those who serve in government."
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| 10/05/2009 | Rep. Bernard Takes Oath of Office | | Representative Mackenson “Mack” Bernard (D-West Palm Beach) was sworn into office during a brief ceremony at 10 a.m. today in the chambers of the Florida House of Representatives.
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| 09/22/2009 | Letter to Surgeon General RE Chinese Drywall | | Representative Kevin J.G. Rader, D-Delray Beach, sent a letter today to Rear Admiral Steven K. Galson, the acting U.S. surgeon general, urging expedited treatment of investigative reports of cases of Chinese drywall in 30 Florida counties.
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| 09/21/2009 | Rep. Alan Williams Sponsors Bill To Repeal Vehicle Fee Increases
| | State Representative Alan Williams (D-Tallahassee) announced today that he will co-sponsor a bill to repeal fee increases approved during the 2009 legislative session.
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| 09/11/2009 | Rep. Steinberg Sponsors Child Safety Bill | | Representative Richard L. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach) is proud to announce that he will join Senator Thad Altman (R-Melbourne) in reintroducing a child passenger safety bill for the 2010 legislative session.
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| 09/08/2009 | Leader Sands Statement Regarding FPL
| | House Democratic Leader Statement Regarding Florida Power & Light Rates and Regulation. |
| 08/20/2009 | State Representative Audrey Gibson Appointed State Director of Women in Government
| | State Representative Audrey Gibson (D-Jacksonville) has been appointed to serve as State Director of Women in Government (WIG), a national, non-profit, bipartisan organization of women state legislators. |
| 8/18/2009 | Statement Regarding News Article About Federal Health Legislation
| | "...a recent report in the SunSentinel and the Orlando Sentinel about how health care legislation may impact state programs exercises sensationalism by focusing on premature conclusions and false assumptions that Florida somehow just can’t afford to make health care affordable and available to more residents."
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| 08/14/2009 | Tag! You're It! | | Floridians, get ready for a new version of sticker shock! Republican lawmakers balanced the Fiscal Year 2009-10 state budget on the backs of average Floridians with, among other things, higher-priced driver licenses and auto registrations that go into effect Sept. 1.
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| 08/04/2009 | Statement Regarding Senator Jim King | | The Florida House Democratic Caucus wishes to express deep sadness about the passing of Senator Jim King. Today’s memorial services in Tallahassee honoring Senator King provide occasion to honor his years of public service and pay tribute to his remarkable character and affable style. Most importantly, our sympathies go out to his wife Linda and Senator’s King’s entire family.
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| 07/31/2009 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Announces Launch of New Caucus Site
| | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) today announced the launch of a new web site designed to facilitate more direct communication of the priorities of the 44-member Florida House Democratic Caucus.
The site will give visitors an immediate and comprehensive look at the work and legislative priorities of the Caucus and its members. The site will be regularly updated to complement and enhance the communications initiatives of the House Democratic Office.
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| 07/28/2009 | Rep. Sachs Statewide Task Force on Human Trafficking
| | State Representative Maria Sachs (D-Delray Beach) will serve on the Statewide Task Force on Human Trafficking, under an appointment made by Florida Governor Charlie Crist.
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| 07/21/2009 | Agriculture and Energy Appointment for Representative Rehwinkel Vasilinda
| | Rep. Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda has been appointed to the standing committee on Agriculture and Energy for the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
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| 07/21/2009 | Representative Bill Heller Appointment to the Education Commission of the States
| | State Representative Bill Heller will serve on the Education Commission of the States (ECS).
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| 07/17/2009 | State Rep. Luis Garcia on the Education Commission of the States
| | State Rep. Luis Garcia (D-Miami) is designated to serve on the Education Commission of the States (ECS), under an appointment made July 1 by Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul.
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| 06/26/2009 | House Democratic Leader Statement Regarding Special Investigator Findings
| | I look forward to reviewing any findings and recommendations of the House Select Committee on Standards of Official Conduct that has been appointed to review allegations concerning Representative Sansom.
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| 06/25/2009 | Representative Rehwinkel Vasilinda Announces Launch of Film and Entertainment Caucus
| | Representative Michelle Rehwinkel Vasilinda (D-09) celebrated Florida’s film industry this week at the Film Florida Annual Meeting in Miami Beach and announced one of her initiatives to be launched this fall, the Florida Film and Entertainment Caucus.
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| 06/24/2009 | Street Racing Fans Busted | | “Street racing is illegal and deadly. Those who choose to promote this type of behavior are only adding to the problem,” said Representative Darren Soto.
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| 06/18/2009 | Rep Gibbons Testimony on Cell Tax Fairness Act
| | Representative Joseph Gibbons (D-Hallandale Beach) testified before the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law regarding the Cell Tax Fairness Act of 2009.
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| 06/18/2009 | Rep Skidmore Statement on Governor Crist Bill Signing
| | I am pleased that we are now equipping physicians and law enforcement personnel with the tools they need to stop the abuse, misuse, and illegal sale of prescription drugs.
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| 06/18/2009 | School Grades Response from Leader Sands 6-18-09
| | Public school accountability and progress should be based on the whole body of work that schools, teachers and students accomplish throughout the year rather than on a one-day snapshot.
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| 06/18/2009 | Rep Skidmore Letter to Governor Crist Regarding SB 462 Prescription Drug Monitoring System 6-18-09
| | I strongly urge you to sign SB 462 into law and help end the prescription drug abuse epidemic that is killing so many of our citizens and devastating countless Florida families.
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| 06/16/2009 | Budget Cuts Blamed for Broward Teacher Layoffs
| | “No one should be confused. There is only one simple reason why 400 teachers are losing their jobs in Broward County -- Republican legislative leaders have refused to adequately fund public schools,” said Leader Sands.
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| 06/15/2009 | Florida Near Bottom in Number of Unemployed Getting Benefits
| | The News Service of Florida reports that fewer out-of-work Floridians qualify for benefits than almost any other state, leaving millions of dollars in the unemployment trust fund even as Florida weathers its highest jobless toll in 33 years.
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| 06/04/2009 | Representative Pafford's Letter to Governor Crist 6-4-09
| | Representative Pafford's Letter to Governor Crist 6-4-09.
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| 05/27/2009 | FY 2009-10 State Budget Relies On Republican-Approved New Taxes
| | Governor Charlie Crist signed into law today a $66.5 billion budget that raises new taxes and fees, cuts vital programs for seniors, and will force layoffs of teachers and law enforcement officers throughout the state.
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| 05/20/2009 | Rep Alan Williams' Bill Signed | | The legislation, sponsored by Representative Williams, extends the deadline for proposed hospitals to complete preparations for an active hospital license from 18 months to three years. The bill also enables rural hospitals, including Gadsden County Hospital, with an inactive license for at least 20 months to receive an additional year to meet licensing requirements.
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| 05/19/2009 | Firefighter Memorial Release | | “This bill creates the official Florida Fallen Firefighters Memorial Flag honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities,” said Representative Bill Heller. “This flag is very special and is a tribute to the 144 brave men and women who have given their lives protecting Florida’s citizens.”
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| 05/18/2009 | Rep. Steinberg Letter to Gov. Crist 05-18-09 | | Letter from Representative Richard L. Steinberg (D-Miami Beach) to Governor Charlie Crist, seeking the governor’s action to prevent a sweep of more $7 million from the state’s Condominium Trust Fund.
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| 05/12/2009 | Letter to Governor Crist from Representative Mark Pafford
| | Letter from Representative Mark Pafford to Governor Charlie Crist regarding the General Appropriations Act and Florida seniors, dated May 12, 2009.
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| 05/08/2009 | Florida House Democrats Reject Budget | | With thousands of Floridians out of work and families in dire need of help from their state government, Florida House Democrats unanimously rejected a proposed Fiscal Year 2009-10 state budget that fails to meet the people’s needs.
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| 05/08/2009 | Representative Bogdanoff Leads House Republican Flip Flop
| | Once again, Florida House Republicans are promoting an agenda characterized by partisan attacks and obstructionist tactics.
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| 05/01/2009 | Rep Roberson's Sexual Battery Legislation Passed Florida House Today
| | The Florida House of Representatives unanimously passed State Representative Yolly Roberson’s (D-North Miami Beach) Sexual Battery legislation. |
| 04/30/2009 | Almost Over | | The 2009 Florida legislative session will reach its 60th day on Friday without a new state budget or any serious fixes to the economic pain that threatens Florida families and small businesses.
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| 04/30/2009 | Florida Legislature Approves Prescription Monitoring Bill
| | The Florida Legislature approved legislation today authorizing the creation of an electronic prescription drug monitoring system.
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| 04/29/2009 | House Republicans Refuse Federal Funds for Unemployment Benefits
| | House Republican leaders voted today and refused a House Democratic-sponsored proposal that would have helped Florida obtain approximately $444 million in economic recovery stimulus money for the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.
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| 04/29/2009 | Will New Gambling Revenues Help Schools
| | Representative Martin Kiar (D-Davie), the Democratic Ranking Member on the House PreK-12 Education Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement.
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| 04/29/2009 | Representative Soto Statement on Growth Management Legislation
| | “Florida is in economic crisis but there is no justification to defang our great state’s growth management laws,” said Representative Soto.
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| 04/29/2009 | ICYMI Cold Hearted Republican Leadership JOBLESS LOSE AGAIN
| | "But that is what the Legislature’s cold-hearted Republican leadership is poised to do as the annual session winds to a dismal close.”
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| 04/28/2009 | Don't Refuse Federal Economic Recovery Funds for Unemployed Families
| | Florida House Democrats today urged House Speaker Larry Cretul to take immediate action to ensure that Florida doesn’t reject more than $1 billion in federal stimulus aid for out-of-work Floridians. SEE TWO DOCUMENTS BELOW.
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| 04/28/2009 | Letter from US Department of Labor
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| 04/28/2009 | Letter to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor RE Unemployment
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| 04/28/2009 | Representative Alan Williams Statement on State Employee Pay and Benefits
| | With more than 26,000 state employees residing in the Tallahassee area and many more workers throughout Florida, it is of critical importance to the local and state economies to ensure that these jobs are protected and these dedicated workers continue drawing competitive salaries.
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| 04/27/2009 | Big Oil Victory Reverses Ban on Drilling in Florida Waters
| | Florida House Republicans overwhelmingly voted today to reverse a 19-year-old ban on drilling in state waters and to open Florida’s coastline to oil and natural gas exploration.
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| 04/27/2009 | Democrats Support Protection of Caloosahatchee River
| | Florida House Democrats today voted in support of an amendment sponsored by Representative Martin Kiar (D-Davie) that would have restricted bids and prohibited the issuance of permits to drill in an area five miles north and five miles south of the Caloosahatchee River.
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| 04/27/2009 | How Does The House Republican Budget Deal With Swine Flu
| | Florida House Republican leaders are standing behind a proposed state budget that would hinder Florida’s ability to fight public health threats.
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| 04/24/2009 | Republicans Crafted A Bad Election Bill
| | IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Newspapers Agree with Florida House Democrats…
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| 04/23/2009 | Porth Bill Gives Hope To Victims' Families
| | Legislation sponsored by Representative Ari Abraham Porth (D-Coral Springs) to lift the statute of limitations for wrongful death actions won tentative approval in the Florida House today.
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| 04/23/2009 | Federal Education Money Letter to Governor Charlie Crist from Leader Franklin Sands
| | Florida House Democratic Caucus members are concerned by the state Department of Education’s failure to submit the necessary paperwork to the U.S. Department of Education.
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| 04/22/2009 | House Republicans To Block Public Testimony on Massive Election Rewrite
| | Florida House Republicans signaled intent to trample on the public’s right to participate in the legislative process with a partisan refusal to allow public testimony in House committees about their sweeping election law changes.
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| 04/22/2009 | Halt House Republican Near-Shore Oil Drilling Plan and Approve Renewable Energy Bill
| | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands (D-Weston) called on House Republican leaders to take urgent action on important environmental legislation and to halt their controversial oil-drilling proposal.
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| 04/21/2009 | Letter from Caucus to Gov Crist Regarding House PBC-EDCA 09-08
| | It would be a travesty for the Florida Legislature to take actions now that would reverse our state’s progress toward making our elections more open and accessible.
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| 04/20/2009 | Letter from Leader Sands to House Speaker Cretul Regarding Election Laws Bill
| | In its current form, this legislation will create new barriers to the voting process and drastically limit citizen involvement in elections and government.
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| 04/17/2009 | House Republicans Violate No-Tax Pledge
| | Twenty-one Republican members of the Florida House signed a pledge to taxpayers created by Grover Norquist’s Americans for Tax Reform.
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| 04/16/2009 | House Republicans Refuse Federal Money for Unemployment Compensation
| | State Representative Kevin J. G. Rader (D-Delray Beach) today presented an amendment that would have helped Florida obtain $444 million in economic recovery stimulus money for the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund.
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| 04/16/2009 | Perspective on Adam Hasner Vote on Embryonic Stem Cell Research
| | Leader Hasner argued today against allowing Florida’s public universities to use public money toward embryonic stem cell research.
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| 04/16/2009 | House Republicans Offer Budget that Cuts Education and Raises Taxes on Working Families
| | Florida House Democrats have proposed alternatives that would balance the state’s budget without making radical and reckless policy changes.
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| 04/06/2009 | Letter from Leader Sands to Speaker Cretul Regarding Renewable Green Energy 4-6-09
| | We respectfully request you give our bills an expeditious hearing.
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| 04/02/2009 | Look Who's Raising Taxes on the Middle Class
| | There they go again! Florida House Republicans are saying one thing and doing another.
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| 04/01/2009 | Florida House Passes Motor Vehicle and Mobile Home Title Transfer Bill
| | The House of Representatives today approved the Motor Vehicle and Mobile Homes Title Transfer Bill (House Bill 293) by Representative Hazelle Rogers (D-Lauderdale Lakes, Broward County) by a vote of 117 to 1.
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| 04/01/2009 | Perspective on Chair Anitere Flores' Proposed Education Budget
| | Florida still ranks among the lowest states in per-capita funding of education.
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| 03/31/2009 | Time Is Right For Workplace Safety Legislation
| | House Bill 1029 implements vital recommendations of the Florida Public Task Force on Workplace Safety and the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Board.
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| 03/31/2009 | Prescription Drug Monitoring Saves Lives, Fights Fraud
| | Representative Skidmore is the sponsor of HB 583 and HB 585 that would create program for tracking the dispensing of controlled substances.
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| 03/31/2009 | Lexington Herald Leader - Regarding State Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton)
| | (Representative Kelly) Skidmore has sponsored a bill authorizing a prescription-drug monitoring system.
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| 03/27/2009 | Time Is Right To Boost Unemployment Compensation | | Florida House Democrats understand that our citizens want solutions and not vague or indefensible explanations about why we shouldn’t use Florida’s full and fair share of economic stimulus dollars.
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| 03/26/2009 | Letter to Speaker Cretul Regarding Unemployment Compensation and Federal Stimulus - March 26, 2009
| | The current economic crisis demands action.
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| 03/26/2009 | DOUBLE OOPS House Republicans Vote To Increase Class Size
| | State Rep. Martin Kiar (D-Davie) issued the following statement in response to the House Republican Office misrepresentations of his proposed amendment to House Joint Resolution 919, class size legislation.
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| 03/25/2009 | Democratic Lawmakers Offer Plan To Improve Class Size Legislation HJR 919
| | An amendment offered in the House Education Policy Committee by Representative Martin Kiar (D-Davie) would require the state to complete the last step toward phasing in the Class Size amendment in 2010.
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| 03/25/2009 | House Republicans Want School Parents to Pay More for Lost Textbooks
| | Making students and parents pay more for tattered textbooks is a wrongheaded solution to the financial plight of our state.
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| 03/25/2009 | PRESS RELEASE - Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Encourages Florida to Pass Prescription Monitoring Bill
| | State Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) today forwarded a letter from Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Daniel Mongiardo to Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul.
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| 03/24/2009 | Letter to Speaker Cretul from Kentucky Lieutenant Governor Regarding PDMP
| | Letter to Speaker Cretul from Kentucky's Lieutenant Governor Regarding Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), dated March 20, 2009.
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| 03/24/2009 | Hasner and Crist at Odds Over Federal Economic Stimulus
| | Florida House Democrats encourage Governor Charlie Crist to meet House Republican Leader Adam Hasner, who is prepared to gamble with Florida’s economy and the lives of Floridians.
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| 03/23/2009 | Taxpayer Dollars Wasted Under House Republican Leadership
| | “It’s essential that Republican leaders stop posturing and start writing a new state budget that takes into account the difficulties facing Floridians.”
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| 03/19/2009 | How does HJR1013 (The Anti-Worker Plan) Mislead the Public?
| | ANSWER: The right to cast a secret ballot in federal, state and local elections is already guaranteed and protected in the Florida Constitution.
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| 03/19/2009 | Trojan Horse--Day 30--Florida Held Hostage
| | House Joint Resolution 1013 is the Florida House Republican’s newest Trojan Horse.
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| 03/17/2009 | State Education Budget Crisis Day 29
| | Florida House Democrats believe that these funds can help ease the blow of our state’s financial crisis, bolster our economy and improve Florida’s schools.
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| 03/16/2009 | DAY 28 -- STATE BUDGET CRISIS -- Florida Held Hostage
| | Will House Republicans accept Florida’s full and fair share of federal economic recovery funds that President Barack Obama and Democrats in Congress are providing to help rebuild our economy?
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| 03/11/2009 | Jim Greer Should Just Read the State Constitution
| | “Perhaps Chairman Greer can put his press releases on hold until he studies the state constitution."
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| 03/10/2009 | Rep. Mary Brandenburg (D-Lake Worth) and Alonzo Mourning of the Miami Heat Fight for Floridians with Kidney Disease
| | House Bill 675, which is co-sponsored by Representative Mary Brandenburg (D-Lake Worth) and supported by former NBA/Miami Heat star Alonzo Mourning, aims to alleviate the financial burdens of these Floridians.
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| 03/10/2009 | House Republicans Still Owe Floridians a $13-billion Answer
| | “It’s time for our Republican colleagues to follow the guidance of House Democrats and Governor Crist and concentrate on the troubles that ail Florida, including high unemployment, home foreclosures, public school needs, and too many uninsured Floridians,” said Sands.
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| 03/10/2009 | Representative Abruzzo's Nicole Hornstein Act Clears Committee
| | The Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Committee in the Florida House approved today the Nicole Hornstein Act (House Bill 169).
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| 03/06/2009 | Florida House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Statement Regarding President Obama's Stem Cell Research Funding
| | “I applaud President Obama’s initiative and understanding of this most critical research need,” Representative Sands said.
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| 03/03/2009 | State of the State Response
| | State of the State Response from House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Geraldine Thompson.
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| 03/03/2009 | Leader Pro Tempore Geraldine Thompson to Deliver Democratic Response
| | House Democratic Leader Pro Tempore Geraldine Thompson to deliver House Democratic Caucus Response to Governor Crist's 2009 State of the State Address.
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| 03/03/2009 | Florida House Democrats Elect Representative Ron Saunders as House Speaker Designate
| | Florida House Democrats Elect Representative Ron Saunders Speaker-Designate for the 2010-2012 term.
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| 03/02/2009 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Statement Regarding Representative Dean Cannon
| | “On behalf of the House Democratic Caucus, I offer warm congratulations to Representative Cannon."
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| 02/20/2009 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Statement on Gov Crist Proposed Budget
| | “We applaud Governor Charlie Crist for showing courage and doing the right thing by making use of federal economic recovery funds in the state budget that he has presented to the Legislature."
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| 02/19/2009 | Solutions - Not Cuts - For Schools Release
| | Democratic members of the committee opposed a move by the committee’s Republican leadership that would seek a 15-percent across-the-board reduction in school spending.
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| 02/18/2009 | Republicans Vote to Put More Special Interest Money Into Politics Release
| | Democrats are pleased to stand with good government groups like the League of Women Voters, Common Cause, Florida Public Interest Research Group, and the Sierra Club in opposing measures that would quiet the public’s voice in politics.
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| 02/12/2009 | Core Mission for School Release
| | "Caucus members led a passionate debate Thursday with Republicans on the House PreK-12 Appropriations Committee."
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| 02/09/2009 | House Democrats Welcome President Obama
| | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands and Caucus Members welcome President Barack Obama to the Sunshine State and embrace his call for a federal economic stimulus package.
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| 01/30/2009 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands on Representative Ray Sansom’s Recusal of House Speaker Duties
| | “The Florida House Democratic Caucus is not distracted from the people’s business.”
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| 01/27/2009 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands -- Statement on Crist Budget Vetoes
| | “I encourage the governor to continue working with the House Democratic Caucus in setting new priorities for the state and beginning Florida on a road to economic recovery.”
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| 01/14/2009 | House Democrats - These Cuts Lack Courage
| | “We have to have the political courage to provide the needs and meet the priorities of Florida,” said Democratic Leader Franklin Sands, D-Weston.
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| 01/11/2009 | Comments on State Budget Cuts
| | "Republican leaders have once again failed to heed Democratic Caucus members’ advice."
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| 01/10/2009 | In Case You Missed It -- Officials Pull a Fast One
| | “The real problem is that Republican lawmakers aren’t willing to have an honest discussion about the state’s dismal financial picture and are taking the easy but short-sighted route to balancing the budget.”
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| 01/09/2009 | House Democrats - These Cuts Fail Children, Seniors and Florida
| | “The House Republican budget takes from seniors, the frail and the vulnerable,” said Representative Kelly Skidmore, the Democratic Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Council on General Government and Health Care.
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| 01/06/2009 | House Republicans Rush to Cut Schools and Seniors
| | Democrats are seeking a broad discussion of budget options during this special session of the Legislature.
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| 01/06/2009 | Representative Joseph Gibbons Statement Regarding Visit Florida
| | "People need assurances from government leaders that effective economic development strategies, such as the Visit Florida program, will flourish."
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| 12/22/2008 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands -- Statement on Madoff Issue
| | The Sands’ have participated for more than a decade, with the input of professional advisors, in accounts managed by Bernard Madoff Investment Securities.
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| 12/16/2008 | Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship Letter
| | "...conduct a more thorough review of the Corporate Income Tax Credit Scholarship program."
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| 12/16/2008 | Representative Martin Kiar Statement on OPPAGA Report
| | “The Legislature should demand a more honest report card on vouchers. I will ask OPPAGA to conduct a more complete review of the program."
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| 12/15/2008 | House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands Regarding House Speaker Ray Sansom | | "The sooner the public hears straightforward answers, the sooner we can focus on the people's priorities." |
