Lawmakers to Hear From Voters Today

The county and cities and citizens of Manatee will troop to the microphone this morning to tell local legislators about the need for new laws. It starts at 8:00am at the Manatee County Commission chambers. Thirty-five governments, organizations and individuals are on the agenda.

Like most legislative hearings, people must be quick. Governments get five minutes, citizens get three. 

 The roll call of government organizations is comprised of the usual suspects: Manatee County, Longboat Key, ManaSota League of Cities, University of South Florida, New College, the State College of Florida and the Sarasota/Manatee Metropolitan Planning Organization are all scheduled to speak. 

Missing from the agenda are the City of Bradenton, and the three municipalities of Anna Maria Island. Palmetto isn’t on the agenda either. But state-wide legislation is the topic. The delegation ruled out consideration of local “money bills,” the allocations of cash for local projects sometimes called “pork.” The legislature in the coming months will grapple with a $2 billion shortfall in the current budget. 

 On the agenda are topics old and new. A group called “PassERA” will lobby for the ratification of the Equal Rights constitutional amendment. Another group is asking for closure of the “internet sales tax loophole,” allowing people to buy things on line and skip state sales tax.

 Melody Sweetman-Carpenter will talk about coyote attacks in the area, and the need for signs alerting neighbors that predators are lurking. On a more etheral note, Brian Pitts with Justice-2-Jesus wil talk about ethics reform.

 A number of speakers will urge legislators on health and human services. Greg Porges will talk about Planned Parenthood; Mary Ruiz will address legislative priorities for behavorial health; Rober Shuster will talk about epilepsy services; Drew Kesse will speak on missing children and Caylee’s Law legislation.

 The League of Women Voters, the American Cancer Society, the Manatee County Library, the Alzheimer’s Association, the Manatee Chamber of Commerce and Healthy Start are also on the agenda. 

 It promises to be a lively year for Florida legislators, with redistricting uppermost on their minds. Senator Mike Bennett (R-Manatee) will preside over the Thursday meeting.