GENERAL ISSUES INITIATIVES

 
CAMPAIGN REFORM
FSHL Bill SM - 20

            WHEREAS, large contributions to candidates come primarily from special interest groups (PACS, Lobbyists, Corporations, Industries, etc.) obligating elected  officials  to  be  beholden  to  the contributors; and,

             WHEREAS,  candidates  spend  an  inordinately  long  time campaigning, resulting in more money expended; and,

            WHEREAS, candidates pay for T.V. adds although the airwaves belong to the people and are loaned to Broadcasters via licenses:

             NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT, only public financing be expended for  campaigns;  THAT,  non-public  contributions  be eliminated; THAT, a maximum amount of money for campaigns be pre-determined by law; THAT, time spent campaigning be no more than three (3) months prior to election day; THAT, appropriate T.V. & Radio time slots be given free of charge to candidates; THAT, penalties and fines be imposed for deviating from these rules.


OPPOSE THE HIGH SPEED RAIL CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
FSHL Bill SB - 88

       WHEREAS, a movement as begun to provide for a High-Speed Rail System in the State of Florida without the provision for funding, without consideration of long term impact on other essential state projects and to do this by a Constitutional Initiative placed into the Florida Constitution rather than by legislative methodology, and;

        WHEREAS, adding this project into the state's must do list would  take  money  from  education,  environmental  and  highway construction projects which effectively forces the Legislature to appropriate money from those budgeted items, and;

        WHEREAS,  the  upf ront  estimates  of  $8  Billion,  without documentation as to the method of providing that funding, nor the documentation for the final total dollar amount, which immediately signifies an uncertainty about the project, and;

        WHEREAS, this plan would become one of the largest unfunded mandates demanded of Florida taxpayers and local governments, without the careful planning and analysis required of any major project, this High-Speed Rail System, promulgated in this manner would become a huge boondoggle;

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT in support of the Governor, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Transportation Commission, The Florida
Silver Haired Legislature join in opposition to the passage of this Constitutional Amendment.
 



 
IMPLEMENTING CITIZENSHIP STUDIES IN THE SCHOOLS

     WHEREAS, Citizens in the past have been educated in school concerning the local, state, and federal governments, their function and membership; such process today is either limited or non-existent,

     WHEREAS, Citizens living today are experiencing a much greater need of communication with their legislators to protect their Constitutional rights and corrects their grievances,

      WHEREAS, Citizens today have little or no knowledge of just who represents them and thus protects them from tyranny,

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that legislation be introduced to have the Florida Department of Education mandate a course in the schools be required that will teach students the basic elements of government and how to exercise the rights endowed by both the State and Federal Constitutions,
 

PRESENTED BY: 
William J. Strickler
6420 Count Turf Trail
Tallahassee Florida 32308-1912
(850) 894-6092     Fax 894-6093
REFERRED TO:
Education K-12
Community Affairs
Governmental Operations

    Department of Management Services
    Phil Maher, Director
    (850) 488-7357
    4050 Esplenade Way    Building 4030
    Tallahassee Florida 32399-0950

FROM  : Bill Strickler
DATE  : 30 August 2000

SUBJECT  : Budget Considerations for Disadvantaged Citizens

 Disabled citizens welcome the provisions in the Capitol in the way of doorways, ramps, etc.  However, many citizens still have problems walking.

 The enclosed resolution has been forwarded to a citizens group to consider for presentation to the Government offices in mid October.  It is anticipated this group will approve submitting the resolution.

 Florida has many elder citizens high in years with intellects to match.  It is a sheer waste of citizen sources to deny these persons their opportunity to assist in Government operations

Upon inquiry of the offices at the Capitol for ambulatory equipment, it has been determined none exists. Having knowledge that budgets are being prepared for the 2001 Legislature, please consider this a request to include such items as wheel chairs and possibly powered scooters to assist disabled citizens.  Your response will be forwarded to legislative sponsors needed to draft the enabling legislation.
 
 

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