Sen. Dave Aronberg's Pill Mill Bill Goes to Governor

Convicted felons or other "bad doctors" could no longer own pain clinics under a measure approved by the Senate on Monday to rein in so-called pill mill operators who lawmakers say are little more than legalized drug dealers.The Senate unanimously approved the measure (SB 2272).

The Senate gave final approval to the measure (HB 325) with a 30-7 vote just before noon. The House passed it last week with a 77-33 vote. ... Under the bill (SB 2272),

Provides that pain-management clinics that are required to be registered with the DOH are business establishments. Requires all privately owned pain-management clinics, or offices that primarily engage in the treatment of pain by prescribing or dispensing controlled substance medications or by employing a physician who is primarily engaged in the same, to register with the DOH, etc.

Effective Date: 10/01/2010

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HIV/AIDS Minority Network/Black Advisory

The Broward County Health Department, the HIV/AIDS Minority Network/Black Advisory Group and community partners will present “Sistas Organizing to Survive (SOS) – Black Women’s Conference” on Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 8:30am to 3:30pm at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The Broward Center is located at 201 SW 5^th Avenue – Fort Lauderdale, 33312. The conference is free and open to the public.

The conference is designed to educate women about the impact of HIV/AIDS and develop an action plan that prevents the further spread of HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDS) among Black women in Broward County. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss this issue with doctors, community providers and other health professionals who are experts in the treatment of and education about HIV/AIDS, STDs, human sexuality, and the provision of mental health services.

“All women are encouraged to attend this conference,” said Dr. Paula Thaqi, M.D., Director of the Broward County Health Department. “We want to educate and empower all women to take charge of their sexual health, connect them to resources and offer tools that will assist in educating others in the community.”

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed HIV infection was the 5th leading cause of death among all women aged 35–44 years and the 6th leading cause of death among all women aged 25–34 years. The only diseases causing more deaths of women were cancer and heart disease. The report also showed that of 126,964 women living with HIV/AIDS in the United States, 64% were Black, 19% were White, and 15% were Hispanic. In Florida, 1 in 68 non-Hispanic Black women are known to be living with HIV/AIDS. This compares with approximately 1 in 1,281 non-Hispanic White women, and 1 in 472 Hispanic women. For over 15 years, HIV/AIDS has been the leading cause of death among Black women aged 25-44 years in Florida. *

For more information and to register please contact Sheila Reimer at (954) 467-4700 ext 5706 or email: Sheila_Reimer@doh.state.fl.us. For more information on services and programs at the Broward County Health Department, visit our website at www.Browardchd.org.

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Sen. Dave Aronberg's Protect Our Kids First Heading to the Senate

Despite Catholic Church opposition, Protect Our Kids First legislation, HB 525 sponsored by Rep. Chris Dorworth, R-Heathrow, passed the Florida House of Representatives by a vote of 110-0. Upon passage, the House immediately certified the bill, thereby delivering it to the Senate where it is scheduled to be heard on Special Order Calendar today. A final vote in the Senate could come as soon as tomorrow.

House Bill 525 repeals the statutes of limitations for acts of child sexual abuse. The Senate companion bill, SB 870, is sponsored by Sen. Dave Aronberg, D-Greenacres.

Child advocates have fought for this legislation for six years. And this year Lauren Book-Kim finished a dramatic 500-mile run in the Capitol courtyard to publicize the plight of sexually abused children.

Today's unanimous vote came in spite of opposition by the Florida Catholic Conference.To their credit, Sen. Aronberg and Rep. Dorworth rejected the Catholic Conference’s efforts and continue to stand with protecting children from sexual predators.

source:
http://www.sunshinestatenews.com/
UPDATE :

Removal of statute of limitations on its way to governor

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Florida 2010 Governor Race Neck And Neck

Two new polls this week proved: that the race for Florida's next Governor's is extremely competitive and extremely close. Two independent polls from Quinnipiac and Rasmussen showed a single-digit race that could come down to the wire in November.

Quinnipiac polling also showed that a majority of Floridians (54-40) think McCollum's health care lawsuit is a "bad idea". It's clear that Floridians have a problem with footing the bill for McCollum's partisan stunt, and shows just how out of touch he is with our values and priorities.

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Florida GOP Outrageously Goes After Law Enforcement in Offensive Ad

This week, the Republican Party of Florida proved just how offensively out-of-touch they have become - putting their lack of respect for law enforcement officers and their families on full display in a ridiculous web video. You can even watch the Republican Party's pathetic and offensive ad here:

TO WATCH VIDEO

This started because earlier in the week, Republicans in the Florida Legislature launched an outrageous attempt to deny the sworn law enforcement officers in Alex's department the tactical weapons we purchase to keep them safe in a dangerous job. Bill McCollum's campaign piled on the attack and finally the Republican Party of Florida released their web video. Alex was so outraged by this video attacking and ridiculing Florida's law enforcement officers, that she sent it to all of her supporters, so they could see just how low McCollum and his allies at the Republican Party of Florida are willing to go.

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Urgent Action Alert: SJR 2288/HJR 7231 Likely to Have Final Vote on MONDAY 4/26

Urgent Action Alert:
SJR 2288/HJR 7231 Likely to Have Final Vote on MONDAY 4/26

The legislature often passes legislation in the face of strong citizen opposition. They are able to ignore Floridians with impunity because of something called "gerrymandering," the process by which legislative leaders choose their own voters to virtually guarantee their own reelection and maintain their party's power.

Every decade after the census, each state has to go through redistricting, redrawing each legislative and congressional district to reflect population changes. In Florida, this process is controlled by the majority party and legislative leadership draws districts with two goals in mind -- to increase their power and prevent the defeat of incumbents.

To end this abuse of power, a bipartisan citizens group spent several years collecting the signatures of 1.7 million Floridians to put two constitutional amendments on the ballot this year. Amendments 5 and 6 would require that districts be drawn without favoring an incumbent or a particular political party. Instead, the districts would have to be compact, respect existing communities, and as much as possible follow city and county boundaries.

Not surprisingly, legislative leadership is doing everything possible to thwart this effort and undermine the ability of Florida voters to reform redistricting. They have proposed a counter amendment that would allow them to ignore the requirements of Amendments 5 and 6 and continue gerrymandering their districts. In other words, the will of Florida voters will be completely irrelevant. Media from across Florida have condemned this effort as "despicable," "arrogant," demonstrating "disdain for democracy," and a "shameless, self-interested ploy." (Click here to read the editorials written by papers from Panama City to Orlando to Palm Beach.)

Both the House and Senate are likely to vote on this proposed amendment on Monday, April 26. If you want legislators that are responsive to their constituents' concerns, you MUST take action NOW. Here's what you can do:

1. Call or email your representative and senator and demand that they vote no on this blatant power grab.

2. Sign this petition to urge legislators to vote no.

3. Share both of the above with all your friends and family on Facebook and via email. It will take a huge public outcry to stop this amendment from passing.

Please take action now!

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Broward County Mayor Honors Female WW II Pilot/Congressional Gold Medal Recipient

About 70 years ago, Tex Meachem thought her love of flying was just a great way to take get from Gainesville to Daytona Beach for weekends in the sun. She didn’t know that it would ultimately lead her to join the distinguished Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in 1942 and eventually to sharing the Congressional Gold Medal.

On Friday, April 23^rd, Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl honored Ms. Meacham, who is now 92 years old, at a special ceremony taking place at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Pilot Flight Training building, 1815 NW 51^st Place in Fort Lauderdale. At 10:30 a.m. Ms. Meacham will board her favorite World War II aircraft, an AT-6, to fulfill her wish to fly one more time in a plane from that era.

“The woman is a true patriot and has an amazing story to tell,” said Mayor Keechl. “Women pilots played a very important role in World War II and did so quietly without much recognition. It is an honor to recognize and thank Ms. Meacham for her service to this country.”

Through the Civilian Pilot Training Program, Tex Meachem became a pilot in just six months. As a pilot in the Civil Air Patrol, she flew over the Gulf of Mexico looking for submarines. After instrument and Morse code training in Texas, she became a Womens Airforce Service Pilot as a 2^nd Lieutenant. Stationed in Hondo, Texas she flew navigation students all over the state and ferried planes from place to place for repairs.

When the Congress voted to award the WASPs with the Congressional Gold Medal, Tex Meachem proudly stood in Washington DC along with the other WASPs to be finally recognized after 66 years for their dedicated service to our country.

Tex Meacham is a nine year resident of John Knox Village where she initiated the Red Hat Society and is an active volunteer. Members of the Red Hat Society participated in the ceremony, along with representatives from John Knox Village, History Flights, Deerfield Beach High School ROTC Color Guard and the Villagers of John Knox Village, a 48-member men's chorus who performed.

Why is Sen. LeMieux standing with Wall Street?

Sen. LeMieux has a choice: he can stand with regular Americans who are struggling, or he can protect big Wall Street banks.

Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell already made his choice. He held a secret meeting with Wall Street executives, asking for more campaign contributions. Then he came back to Washington trying to kill financial reform—just like the bankers want.¹

But some other Republicans are uncomfortable standing with Wall Street—especially if they know their constituents are watching. That's why Sen. LeMieux needs to hear from you today.

Can you call Sen. LeMieux and let him know that there will be a price to pay for blocking financial reform to make Wall Street happy? Tell him you want him to stand with the people of Florida who want to rein in the big banks.

Senator George LeMieux
Phone: 202-224-3041 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-224-3041 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSFL_2&cp_id=1343&id=19966-3141455-kt7vUax&t=3

Opposing financial reform doesn't poll well, so Republicans' PR strategy is to convince voters that it's a "bailout"—even though the Senate's bill specifically does away with bailouts.² It's such a brazen lie that even some Republicans have admitted that Senator McConnell isn't telling the truth.³

The Senate's financial reform bill is working to end the bailouts, protect consumers, and shut down trading on the highly risky, unregulated "shadow markets" that almost destroyed our economy.⁴ But too many Republicans would rather try to block any hope of common-sense reform to please their Wall Street buddies.

Will you call Sen. LeMieux now and tell him to stop obstructing the Wall Street reform that Americans want? He needs to hear that voters in Florida know that he is blocking reform on behalf of the big banks.

Senator George LeMieux
Phone: 202-224-3041 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 202-224-3041 end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Then, please report your call by clicking here:

http://pol.moveon.org/call?tg=FSFL_2&cp_id=1343&id=19966-3141455-kt7vUax&t=4

Thanks for all you do.

–Daniel, Nita, Milan, Jodeen, and the rest of the team

Sources:

1. "The Fire Next Time," The New York Times, April 15, 2010
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/opinion/16krugman.html

2. "Bank bailouts not in bill, but liquidation is," Politifact.com, April 14, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87888&id=19966-3141455-kt7vUax&t=5

3. "There is no 'bailout fund'," The Washington Post, April 20, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87889&id=19966-3141455-kt7vUax&t=6

4. "Wall Street Reform Bill—Summary," United States Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, & Urban Affairs, April 19, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87877&id=19966-3141455-kt7vUax&t=7

"Sen. Lincoln unveils broad derivatives regulatory bill," MarketWatch, April 16, 2010
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=87879&id=19966-3141455-kt7vUax&t=9

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My Prediction for the Florida 2010 Senate race

My Prediction for the Florida 2010 Senate race:
Charlie Crist is a Republican, Crist likes being a Republican. Charlie will stay a Republican. Charlie has looked at the numbers and knows he can't win this Republican Senate primary. Charlie will strike a deal with the D.C. GOP elites to run in 2012 against Nelson. charlie Crist also knows Rubio, Kottcamp, McCullem, and Trasher are far out of the mainstream of Florida voters and will go down in flames in November, leaving a huge gaping hole for a mainstream Republican to win in 2012.

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Reception With Colorado Congressman Jared Polis to Benefit Scott Galvin

Please Join Broward Mayor Ken Keechl,
Coleman Prewitt and Mark Conaghan, Ron Mills, Joe Falk, Michael Albetta
(committee in formation)

For a Reception With Colorado Congressman Jared Polis to Benefit Scott Galvin

Saturday, May 1st at 6:00pm
Bova Prime, 401 East Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale

Suggested donation $100
(Open Bar)

For more information:
(786) 499-8998
Derek@NovemberGroup.net

www.Galvin2010.com

Maximum contribution is $2,400 per person. No corporate contributions are allowed.

--

The Miami Herald called Florida’s 17th District, “one helluva race” and the Biscayne Times said it’s, “shaping up to be one of the most compelling in America…”

--

Congressman Jared Polis represents Colorado’s Second District and was
recently ranked #10 in OUT Magazine’s top 50 most influential gay men and women in America.

Galvin is running for the open seat in Florida’s 17th Congressional District which covers parts of Broward and Miami-Dade
Counties.

Scott Galvin was elected to North Miami City Council in 1999 and re-elected without opposition in 2003 and 2007. He also served as an aide to U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek from 1993-1999.

--

Approved and paid for Galvin for Congress.

Art Books for the Children. Mayor Ken Keechl participates in the “Art Books for the Children” book giveaway

Children of all ages will be receiving new books on Thursday, April 22^nd when Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl participates in the “Art Books for the Children” book giveaway at the Richard Sullivan Library - 500 NE 26th Street, in Wilton Manors beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Altogether more than 350 books will be distributed to seven children’s organizations in Broward County.

“Arts education is a rarity in the classroom. This program puts books into the hands of children who might not otherwise be exposed to the cultural arts,” said Mayor Keechl. “You never know what might spark the imagination and creativity of a future artist.”

“Art Books for the Children” is a community outreach program organized by ArtsUnited, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to presenting a positive image of the gay and lesbian community through the diverse performing and fine arts. ArtsUnited collects and purchases art books of all disciplines and donates them to children’s facilities to promote the arts and arts education.

SENATOR ARONBERG PASSES BILL TO ENSURE SAFETY FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Legislation sponsored by state Senator Dave Aronberg (D-Greenacres) aimed at improving safety and security in Florida’s schools unanimously passed the Senate on Wednesday.

Senate Bill 1058 requires that when a child is charged with a felony or a delinquent act, the state attorney must notify the appropriate school personnel, starting with the superintendent and including other employees whose job duties include supervision of that child.

“In the wake of recent incidents of school violence, this bill comes at a time when we need to ensure the safety needs of both students and employees are met,” said Senator Aronberg.

Under the old law, a superintendent is required to notify the school principal if a student is charged with a felony or delinquent act. The principal in turn notifies the student’s teachers, but other supervisory employees are not provided this important safety information. This changes under the new law. For example, school bus drivers, some of whom supervise between 60-80 children on any given trip to school or home, will also be notified. All student information is kept private as a result of federal law.

“I’m proud to work to better protect not only our schoolchildren but the education staff professionals (ESPs) who care for these students day in and day out,” said Sen. Aronberg. “This bill allows ESPs the discretion to take precautionary steps regarding students who may pose dangers to others. After all, what can be more important than the safety of the students entrusted each day in our care?”

A new Save The Date for Organizer Training May 15th And 16th

A new Save The Date for Organizer Training May 15th And 16th

we had a conflict with our host venue

Saturday,May 15th and Sunday, May 16th

Location:
Cwa Local 3104 3121 W Mcnab Rd Pompano Beach, FL 33069


Our Organizer training is for ALL precinct Organizers and community Organizers

Saturday 10am to 5pm Voterbuilder training, Canvassing training and phone bank training

5pm to 7pm Potluck Social

Sunday May 16th 10am to 4pm using Social Media with organizing and earned media

Please RSVP to Ron Mills ron@ronmills.us or 954-501-2941

Ron Mills
Broward County Democrats
Area Leader

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Legislative Leadership Trying to Undermine "Fair Elections"

In the last few weeks, more than 31,000 activist joined together and took action to defeat SB 6, a legislative education proposal that would have turned our classrooms into test-prep factories and driven good teachers out of the public schools. And it worked -- Governor Crist vetoed the bill, and the public outcry ensured that the Senate could not muster enough votes to override the veto. The defeat of SB 6 is a shining example of the power of citizen activists to shape the future of our state when they band together, and we're proud to have played a part in this victory.

Yet, despite this widespread public outcry, House and Senate leadership shoved the bill through without even slowing down. Have you ever wondered why legislators often seem to blatantly disregard public opinion, passing legislation no matter how broad the opposition from their constituents?

Well, here's your answer: redistricting. If you don't know exactly what that is, don't feel bad...many voters have no idea how this process works. Every ten years after the national census, each state is required to redraw its legislative and congressional districts. The process is supposed to ensure the districts reflect population changes. In reality, the party in power gets the chance to use sophisticated software and data analysis tools to draw districts that maintain and increase their power and make it almost impossible to defeat incumbents, a tactic known as "gerrymandering."

Because most legislators are elected by voters chosen just for them, they know their re-election is virtually guaranteed. And so they feel free to brazenly ignore public opinion, even outrage as great as that generated by SB 6.

A bi-partisan organization called Fair Districts Florida has led a citizens initiative to put two constitutional amendments on the November ballot that would put an end to this practice. The legislature could not draw districts to favor either political party. Instead, the districts would have to be compact and community-based, following city and county boundaries where possible.

As you can imagine, legislative leadership doesn't like this idea one bit. The majority party could no longer guarantee their continued power and most legislators would have to face competitive elections every cycle, rather than assured re-election. So last week, the House and Senate introduced resolutions to place a competing amendment on the ballot...one that would gut the provisions of the citizens amendments and maintain the status quo. The press has said the move demonstrates their "disdain for democracy" and called the proposed amendment a "poison pill designed to fool voters."

You can learn all about the issue in this article.

If you believe voters should choose their representatives fairly, rather than in elections already rigged to favor one party over the other, you need to take action now to fight the passage of these resolutions. If you want legislators who respond to their constituents' concerns, rather than ignoring them because their re-election is virtually guaranteed...use the tools below to make your voice heard! But do it quickly -- the resolutions could be voted on any day now.

1. Using this quick online tool, you can add your personal message to a pre-written email to legislative leadership that explains your opposition to their proposed amendment and lets them know you'll be watching their actions on this issue.

2. Sign this letter to all members of the House and Senate urging them to vote no on these resolutions in committee and on the floor.

Spread the Word...There Is Power in Numbers As you saw with the SB 6 veto effort, citizens have to join together if their voices are to be heard. CIVIC has been growing its membership of citizen activists for years so that when quick action is necessary, everyone is ready to jump in. We need your help to make the community even stronger, ready to take on whatever crazy idea the legislature comes up with next. Facebook is a great way to spread information and encourage Floridians to take action. Please become a fan of CIVIC, and ask your FB friends to do the same. You can also post links to CIVIC's issue articles or action items. Urge family and friends to sign up here and use the tell-a-friend feature on our website Click here to become a Facebook fan.

Contribute to CIVIC Can you support CIVIC with a tax-deductible contribution of $10 or $20 today? CIVIC monitors legislative activity because we know average citizens don't have the time or expertise to do it. We analyze the impact of proposals, communicate timely information to our members, and provide easy tools for effective action. All of that takes funds. CIVIC is supported by its members, and we need your help. Even a small donation of $10 or $25 will help offset our costs for the 2010 Session. Please consider making a contribution to support the CIVIC community today!

Jeb Bush Responds to the veto of his Anti-Education Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010

CONTACT: DEIRDRE FINN (850) 391-3070

Statement on Veto of SB 6 “I am disappointed by the veto of Senate Bill 6,” said Jeb Bush, former Governor of Florida and Chairman of the Foundation for Florida’s Future. “By taking this action, Governor Crist has jeopardized the ability of Florida to build on the progress of the last decade, which includes raising student achievement across the board, narrowing the achievement gap for poor and minority students, and improving graduation rates. Florida’s sustained improvement is the result of bold reforms that were challenging, controversial and sometimes even unpopular. Reform is hard work but without a commitment to change, Florida would not be 8th in the nation today.” “I applaud the courageous members of the Senate and House of Representatives for their leadership in advancing the bold reform that will eventually transform education in Florida. I applaud Commissioner Eric Smith for his unwavering service to our state and its students. I also applaud Florida’s business leaders for their efforts to improve the quality of education for our state’s 2.7 million students.” For more information on the Foundation for Florida’s Future’s commitment to advocating policies that keep the promise of a quality education for all of Florida’s students, please visit www.afloridapromise.org.

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Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl Joins 2010 Walk Now For Autism Speaks

Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl will join "Team Broward" for the 2010 Walk Now for Autism Speaks fundraising walk on Saturday, April 17, at Nova Southeastern University. It is estimated that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the United States and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism. Government statistics suggest the prevalence rate of autism is increasing 10-17 percent annually. "It's a relatively short walk that goes the distance to raise money for autism research," said Mayor Keechl. "I'm glad to walk with Team Broward as we join this unified community effort to change the future for those who struggle with autism. I encourage everyone to join us." The half-mile walk begins at the Sherman Library Green at Nova Southeastern University at 10 a.m. with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 and has grown into the nation's largest autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.walknowforautism.org/broward.

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TED DEUTCH WINS OVERWHELMING VICTORY IN SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION

Tonight, the voters of Florida's 19th District delivered State Senator Ted Deutch an overwhelming victory in the special election to replace former Congressman Robert Wexler. Ted Deutch released the following statement after the Associated Press called the race:

"I am profoundly humbled that the people of Palm Beach and Broward Counties have chosen me to be their voice in the United States Congress. Tonight, the people of South Florida sent a powerful message to the entire nation- the Democratic Party is alive and well. This is the first special election to follow the passage of health care reform, and my opponent wanted to make this election a referendum on this historic legislation. Tonight, he got it. The voters of Florida's 19th District, consisting of large numbers of seniors, said today that they support health care reform,they want our economy to keep growing, and they want this Administration to succeed.

"The citizens that I will have the privilege to represent in Florida's 19th Congressional District are an extraordinary collection of Americans. They are seniors and veterans who fought valiantly in World War II, and they are small business owners and young families who work hard every day to pass a better world and greater economic opportunities onto their children. For too many citizens of South Florida, new jobs and economic growth have not materialized fast enough, and I will go to Washington to work hard everyday to deliver the results that my constituents want to see.

"To be given the honor to represent the people of the 19th District in the House of Representatives is the honor of a lifetime, and I look forward to providing a strong voice in Congress for this community in the days and months ahead."

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Sen. Dave Aronberg calls on Governor to veto SB6

A majority of the Florida House of Representatives just joined the Senate in passing Senate Bill 6, which poses the greatest threat to public education that I have seen in my 8 years in the legislature.

This legislation is not about reform. It is about punishment of teachers. It is based on the arrogant view that Tallahassee bureaucrats and politicians are better suited to guide a child's education than their teachers, principals and parents.

I am calling upon the Governor to veto this bad bill that will send good teachers packing and will threaten our children, our schools and our businesses.

Join me in urging a veto by e-mailing Governor Crist at Charlie.Crist@MyFlorida.com or by calling
(850) 488-7146.





P.S. Watch my Senate floor speech on my amendment to stop Senate Bill 6.

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Sen. Dave Aronberg Takes On Pill Mills

Update: Senator Aronberg is happy to share with you that both pain clinic bills passed out of their first Senate Committee this morning – Health Regulation. SB 2272 and SB 2722 should be combined into one comprehensive bill before it gets heard in the next Senate committee, Criminal Justice.


Again! It's no surprise that "pain clinics" have been on
the rise. Lax oversight and regulation of these
clinics have made it exceedingly easy for
criminals to operate and own them. For many
owners, the goal in owning and operating
these clinics is not to provide pain relief to
those who truly need it, but to legally traffic
prescription drugs. Far too many tragic deaths
have resulted from these so-
called "pill mills,"often feeding the addictions of Florida's young
people.
The statistics are staggering: There are now
more "pain clinics" in Broward County than
there are McDonalds. More than 1.1 million
oxycodone pills are dispensed each month in
Broward County even though the total
population of the county is 1.7 million.
Legalized painkillers now cause three times
the number of deaths than illegal drugs. An
estimated 9 Floridians die per day from
prescription drug abuse.

It's unfortunate and tragic how many letters
and e-mails I receive each week from families
begging me to do something about this terrible
problem. Here are a couple of excerpts from
constituents:
"I have been the victim of this horrible
disease of having three beautiful sons addicted
to this Oxycontin. We have been through hell
and back, I never know when I will wake up in
the morning and find my sons dead
...but these
doctors make it so easy, last week one of my
sons even got a letter with a huge gold star,
20% off if he comes back...I hope there is
something that all of us could do before it is too
late..."
"I lost a 24 year old son last year to just such a
problem [pain clinics]. He was getting meds
pretty easy through a doctor here in Palm
Beach County...The laws seem to be outdated
and geared to keep the doctors in business and
the users in jail ins
tead of getting help."

"I have made providing greater oversight over
these clinics one of my top priorities for the
2010 legislative session. Last session, I co-
sponsored a successful bill to establish a
prescription drug-monitoring program to help
reduce "doctor shopping" and to provide some
oversight over the pill mills but more needs to
be done.
This session, I have already filed SB 646, which
will require that only licensed physicians in
good standing can own a pain clinic. The bill
also limits the dispensing of these dangerous
painkillers to doctors and pharmacists on
premises.
We need to allow responsible doctors to
continue to help those suffering from chronic
pain, and stop ex-felons and those with sinister
motives from turning pain clinics into pill mills.
We cannot afford anything else, and Floridians
deserve nothing less.

Our fight against consumer fraud continues! Since the beginning of 2003, my office has assisted in the return of more than $4.1 million to people who have called about being ripped off.

STATE SENATOR DAVE ARONBERG

6415 Lake Worth Road, Suite 210
Greenacres, FL 33463
Phone: 561/433-2627, Fax: 561/434-3995
E-mail:
aronberg.dave.web@flsenate.gov

If you have a consumer problem no matter how large or small call us at: 561/433-2627.

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Early Voting for Dist. 19 starts Monday 04-05

Early voting starts Monday in the run-up to the April 13th special election to replace Robert Wexler, who resigned from the U.S. House District 19 seat in January.

This would be a great time to volunteer to help Democratic State Senator Ted Deutch, our candidate for the seat. See http://www.tedforco ngress.com/ volunteer. asp or (561) 451-1115 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (561) 451-1115 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. I know they're particularly looking for people to staff the early voting locations listed below. See the calendar listings below for phone banking opportunities set up through Organizing for America.

Ted must beat Edward Lynch, a nutty conservative Republican who lost badly to Wexler in 2008. The danger is that in this crazy Tea Party year, if Democrats fail turn out in large numbers, Lynch could squeak by and join the forces intent on repealing health care reform. Then we would have to fight to dislodge him in November.

Endorsement: Pick Deutch for U.S. House

In the Florida Legislature, Ted Deutch has shown he can work across the aisle to get things done.

EARLY VOTING DATES :
Monday, April 5 through Saturday, April 10, 2010

EARLY VOTING HOURS
Monday - Friday 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

At these locations:

Northwest Regional Library
3151 University Drive
Coral Springs, FL 33065-6134

North Regional Library/BCC
1100 Coconut Creek Boulevard
Coconut Creek, FL 33066-1647



Thanks to BlueBroward.org