Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Important vote tommorow in Florida Senate

Politicians always seem to do what they want to do, not what the voters have told them to do. And this is true regarding Florida Amendment 1 that was passed by 4.2 million voters or (75%), ensuring that keeping our drinking water clean, protecting our rivers, lakes, and springs, as well as restoring the Everglades without any increase in taxes would be a law they could not screw around with. We voted and spoke and this vote was placed in our Constitution. The information below hit my desk this morning from Dave Cullen, Sierra Club and it is important.

The Senate will meet on Wednesday  to vote on, SB 2500, the General Appropriations Act (the budget).   The current Senate proposal provides only $2 million for Florida Forever, and the House is not much better at $10 million. But an important amendment that would provide $300 million for land acquisition under Florida Forever has been filed by Sen. Thad Altman (R - Brevard and Indian River counties). The amendment would also provide $15 million for state parks and $20 million for Kissimmee River land acquisition.

The Altman amendment is a chance for the Senate to fulfill the intent of the 4.2 million Floridians who voted for Amendment 1 by an overwhelming 75% because they know conservation lands are important for Florida’s future. 
It is amendment number 24, barcode 995031, and it can be seen here: http://flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2015/2500/Amendment/995031/HTML

Everyone please contact Senator Jeff Clemens asking him to vote YES at 850-487-5027 or e-mail him at clemens.jeff.web@flsenate.gov and anyone out of the Palm Beach area, call your state Senator.

SB 2500: Appropriations
GENERAL BILL by Appropriations

Appropriations; Providing moneys for the annual period beginning July 1, 2015, and ending June 30, 2016, to pay salaries, and other expenses, capital outlay-buildings, and other improvements, and for other specified purposes of the various agencies of state government, etc.

APPROPRIATION: $80,424,571,670.00 Effective Date: Except as otherwise provided herein, this act shall take effect July 1, 2015, or upon becoming law, whichever occurs later; however, if this act becomes law after July 1, 2015, then it shall operate retroactively to July 1, 2015

Last Action: 3/26/2015 Senate - Placed on Special Order Calendar, 04/01/15 Location: On Special Order Calendar Bill Text: Web Page | PDF

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