League News & Information
STATE LEAGUE CAPITOL REPORT WRAP-UPThe State LWV Capitol report is available for viewing. Please click here to read it in PDF format.
NEWS FROM YOUR TALLAHASSEE DELEGATES
It was an honor to be a part of the Legislative Seminar in Tallahassee. We arrived on Sunday afternoon and attended a workshop on redistricting and the climate change challenge. After the workshops, the state League presented us with a list of our priorities on a single sheet. With these, all we had to do was a little study which helped us present priorities to our legislators. That night, we all had dinner together and were thoroughly debriefed by LWVF lobbyist Jeanne Zokovitch. She certainly knows her way around the Capitol and is a huge asset to the League. After dinner we attended an exchange of ideas for growing our League by LWVF Directors Deidre MacNab, of Orange County and Pam Goodman of Palm Beach County.
On Monday morning, five elected officials gave us presentations related to the League’s legislative priorities. All of them mentioned the current outlook of doom and gloom because of the Amendment One fall-out, but each also saw rays of hope. It was most interesting to me to hear from a newer representative, Tony Sasso who had a story about being able to be productive because of his temporary seating and enthusiasm. Monday afternoon, we joined forces with Orange County League members and got a taste of lobbying with the guidance of those who had been there before. On Tuesday morning we had a breakfast presentation by Martha Barnett with the Law Firm of Holland and Knight in Tallahassee, who is also a League member and member of the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Commission. It was enlightening to listen to her account of the process and progress this historic commission makes since it meets only once every 20 years. They are also able to put proposals directly on the ballot. We were able to sit in on this Commission meeting and hear the discussion regarding class-size proposals (which didn’t pass). They were also looking at repealing some sales tax exemptions (which did pass).
On Tuesday afternoon we set out on our own to talk to our Legislators. I had made appointments to meet with five. On Monday evening Carole and I made up packets with a letter from our League, a League Brochure and Position paper for each person. As the day unfolded, we realized that because they were all so busy in committees that we would be speaking to their aides. Most were very receptive as we gave them our “pitch”. We did have an opportunity to speak with Rep. Sandy Adams. Although she voted against the League's position, we were able to tell her why the League did not support it, and she gave us her very good reasons why she voted against it. All-in-all I was very impressed with how many people come together to work on behalf of our State and what a hectic schedule it is for the administrative staff, Representatives, Senators and Lobbyists.
I have a new found respect for what it takes to be working in Tallahassee and realize even more that the League can and should have a strong voice of leadership there as well. Carole: Never having been to Tallahassee, I was very surprised by how rural the city felt, although I was told that the university adds up to 45,000 – 50,000 students to the city. We had beautiful weather for walking to every event. The first workshop on reapportionment reform was very eye-opening. It is true that a picture paints a thousand words. The map that Caroline Emmons- Schramm, of LWV Orange, produced showing the hodge-podge of the current Florida congressional districts made it very clear to me that a total overhaul was long overdue and absolutely critical to effect a fair representation of the citizens of Florida. Petitions were signed in support and local leagues were asked to consider taking a highly active part alongside Fair Districts in Florida.
The following workshop on climate change was filled with resources for further information and, from my perspective, the goal was to stimulate all Florida leagues to take part in carrying this conversation to the ears of our representatives. The LWVF Climate Change Committee made itself available to provide support. After the Welcome Reception dinner, we were brought up to speed by our lobbyist, Jeanne Zokovitch, on what was in store for this 2008 political year. I have to say I was bowled over by the twists, turns and mazes she is able to navigate while attempting to make headway on the League's issues. She must wear out plenty of sneakers! Her insight into personalities, issues, and background was absolutely fascinating to hear; I could have listened for several more hours. Tuesday morning we were treated to a wide range of "capital wisdom" from several elected officials in the Capitol Cabinet Room. From Rep. Dan Gelber letter to the people of Florida, "State of Denial," to Rep. Dorothy Hukill's "Vox Populi-Voice of the People Act", to 2 of the newest members, Rep Tony Sasso III and Rep Darren Soto, who both recounted their efforts to win their respective elections and the beliefs that spurred them on their political journey.
In truth, I am still taking in everything that followed--the opinions, the arguments, the committee debates, the protocols, the comments in the elevators, and the "sea of humanity" moving through the halls and into the various offices. There were moments I had to wonder how, when and if the will of the people ever gets acted upon, followed by moments when we ourselves were welcomed into offices by legislative aides, assistants and the officials themselves, who listened to our comments, and still other moments when I saw representatives scurrying down the hallways, being waylaid by their constituents, who were amazingly greeted by name.
One lasting impression is the depth of knowledge shown by the League members as they formulated questions or comments. If I was a sponge, I could not have been more drenched by just soaking up everything that was going on around me. The one thing I took away from this experience is that now I believe I could contact my representative with my concerns, questions or ideas and that Tallahassee is not that far away! I most certainly appreciated this opportunity!
Submitted by Deana Schott