Legislative Update - March 2009

The annual Legislative Session has begun in Tallahassee, and of course, the state budget will be the main challenge we face over the next two months that the legislature meets.  I must say, that in the nine years I've served in the legislature, these are the toughest budget times we've ever faced.  We've cut the state budget by $8 billion over the last two years, and it's very likely that we're going to have to cut even more money from next year's budget.

Be assured that I will continue to do my best to protect the areas of the budget where we simply can't absorb further cuts - health care, services for children, the elderly and disabled, and education.  While it's true that the federal stimulus bill will give us a little breathing room, it's important that we view those funds from Washington for what they are - a short-term fix and not a permanent solution.

We must use the time the stimulus money buys us to carefully review the manner in which we fund the needs of our state.  It is incumbent upon us to have a candid and thorough debate about Florida's tax structure, and explore potential sources of additional revenue that won't worsen our economic situation.   I will do my best to encourage that fiscal debate, and work toward solutions that reflect fair tax policy and place our state on solid financial footing for the long run.

While the state's fiscal crisis will dominate the Session, there is still important work to be done to improve other areas of public policy in this state.  I have already been working on a number of legislative proposals that are making their way through the legislative process.

Saving Lives on the Highway:

My bill to allow for primary enforcement of the seat belt law has passed through its first committee.  If it is passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, police could stop drivers who aren't buckled up, without first observing the driver committing another traffic violation.  Not only would this change in the law save an estimated 142 lives on our roads each year, but it will also reduce insurance costs and enable Florida to receive an additional $35 million in federal highway funds.

Expanding Children's Health Insurance:
Florida has the third highest rate of uninsured children in the nation.  This not only leaves children without even the most basic health care, but also burdens our hospitals that must treat children when they become seriously ill.   My bill to expand the KidCare Program will remove administrative barriers to enrollment, and enable us to cover more children and receive additional federal funding.

Helping Seniors:
Broward County already has a Children's Services Council, which Broward voters approved in the year 2000.  I'm working on legislation that would give voters the opportunity to consider a similar measure to provide services to Broward's 360,000 seniors.  This bill has passed through one committee, and hopefully will continue to advance through the legislature.

Protecting Animals:
I have filed several bills on this topic - to strengthen the requirements for the spaying and neutering of dogs and cats adopted from animal shelters; to provide funding for low-cost spay and neuter programs through increased fines on violations of local animal ordinances; and to criminalize the sexual abuse of animals (believe it or not, we don’t already have a law on this).

A New Role:
On a more positive note, I am pleased to report that my Democratic colleagues recently gave me their unanimous support to serve as the next Leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus.  For now, this means I will coordinate our party's efforts to elect more Democrats to the Florida Senate in 2010.  After that, I will take over as the voice of the Senate Democrats, and assist my colleagues in advancing their legislative initiatives.
I was both surprised and humbled that I will be the first woman to serve in this position.  While two women have previously served as President of the Florida Senate - Democrat Gwen Margolis of Miami, and Republican Toni Jennings of Orlando - 2010 will mark the first time a woman will lead the Senate Democratic Caucus!

This opportunity to serve my party is a tremendous honor, and I am grateful to my fellow Democrats for placing their trust in me.  But of course, my first allegiance remains with the people I represent - Democrat, Republican and Independent alike.

As always, if you have any questions about this issue, or any issue related to state government, please feel free to contact my office at (954) 747-7933, or e-mailing me at rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov.
 
 

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	Senator Rich Addressing Seniors at the Daniel Canter Senior Center
	Nan Rich with Gradutes of Weston University
	Senator Rich with the Final Graduting Class of Weston University 2010

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